DEVEX is the expert in outsourcing plant construction for thermal process engineering
Without well-thought-out plant concepts, food production today quickly comes to a standstill. Especially when it comes to thermal processes or sensitive liquids. DEVEX Verfahrenstechnik GmbH specializes in precisely these critical processes. As an outsourcing partner with a holistic engineering approach, DEVEX supplies tailor-made turnkey plants for the food industry. Investment decision-makers therefore get what really matters for food industry: process reliability, ease of maintenance, and adherence to planning.
"Anyone who wants to build a plant for thermal processes in the food industry today must not only deliver technically, but also be well-versed in regulatory matters," says Christoph Markmann, Managing Director at DEVEX. "This is an enormous challenge, especially for our customers in the food industry. In the past, they had their own engineering departments, but today, the maximum in-house expertise is often limited to the maintenance of existing plants. The complete plant concept, including design, now comes exclusively from us."
Outsourcing plant engineering for thermal processes as an economic opportunity
In fact, around 90 percent of food manufacturers now rely on external plant engineering, especially in the field of thermal process engineering for food. DEVEX takes care of all steps from conception and detailed planning to construction and commissioning of the plant. "Our customers provide us with a process description, and we take care of the rest,“ says Markmann. ”This also includes ensuring the grandfathering of existing plants, even if we integrate completely new modules."
Skid systems: Think modular, deliver efficiently
A key success factor for plants in the food industry is the skid principle: pre-assembled, standardized plant components on stable support frames, which are completely prefabricated and piped at DEVEX. "This not only reduces transport and assembly costs, but above all saves our customers one thing: time," emphasizes Markmann. "Downtime in particular is a real cost factor in food production, because every minute counts." Thanks to their modularity, skid systems can not only be integrated into existing processes more quickly but are also much easier to replace during maintenance or expansion.
Predictability of plant design despite skills shortage
Despite the high level of vertical integration, plant engineering remains an industry in which reality does not end at the drawing board. "Our biggest enemies at the moment are staff shortages and delivery times,“ says Markmann. ”A simple manhole now has a delivery time of up to four months." This is precisely why DEVEX relies on maximally prefabricated components and lean processes.
Regulation of food production: highly complex, but plant engineering still feasible
The European regulatory framework also contributes to the complexity. "We work strictly in accordance with all relevant regulations, from the Pressure Equipment Directive and the ATEX Explosion Protection Directive to completely industry-specific requirements," says Markmann. But he also voices criticism: “The density of standards has long since reached a level of complexity that is almost impossible for medium-sized manufacturers to cope with on their own. But that is precisely our area of expertise – we see ourselves as a true partner to our customers in this regard."
Individual consulting instead of standard solutions
In addition to technical planning, DEVEX also offers comprehensive support with risk analyses, insurance preparation, and safety approvals. "Our sensor technology must be positioned precisely at the critical points: pressure, temperature, and concentration," explains Markmann. "This is not something you can just pull off the shelf. Every project is different. And that's exactly what we're here for.