ArNoCo, an organisation created by Denmark’s Arla Foods Ingredients and German dairy co-operative Deutsches Milchkontor (DMK), has started production of whey and lactose at the new facility in Nordhackstedt, Germany.
The facility, which was built with an investment of around €50m, will produce quality ingredients for the food and beverage industry.
The new facility, located next to an existing 60,000 tonnes-a-year cheese factory owned by DMK, will manufacture mozzarella and semi-hard cheeses such as gouda.
The whey by-product from DMK's cheese-making operations will be used by ArNoCo to produce whey protein concentrate, which can be used in the bakery, dairy and nutrition sectors.
In addition, the facility will produce 25,000 tonnes of lactose annually. It will be processed and sold as Arla's Dry Blend lactose for infant formula.
ArNoCo project director Hans Jørgen Lauridsen said the new joint venture will enhance Arla's position as one of the world's leading suppliers of the highest quality whey protein and lactose ingredients.
"The market for these products is growing faster than the ingredients industry can supply them, so the establishment of ArNoCo in co-operation with DMK is a significant development," Lauridsen added.
Currently, ArNoCo facility is running at 80% capacity, following a test production phase in July. It is expected to run at full capacity by next month.
Image: ArNoCo commences production at new whey and lactose facility in Germany. Photo: courtesy of Arla Foods Ingredients.
