Australia: ABB’s ProGrain choice: a better link to specialized services

Just over two years ago ABB Grain bought Melbourne-based grain and agricultural commodity containerisation firm, Professional Grain Services, officials of ABB ProGrain Ltd resumed on May 04.

ProGrain is widely recognised as providing top quality, personalised service to customers and it was that reputation that attracted ABB to the acquisition.

Exporting bagged and containerised grain to the world is a steadily growing market and ProGrain’s purchase strengthened ABB’s links to this specialised business while also providing supply chain efficiency gains for customers, with benefits flowing on through grower returns.

ProGrain’s diverse operations include innovative loading of bulk or bagged grain into shipping containers, fumigation, grain cleaning, grading and bagging facilities. In handling cereals, pulses, oilseeds, meals and other commodities, ProGrain has facilities to store significant volumes of grain.

In September 2004, the union of ABB and AusBulk brought with it AusBulk’s Two Wells and Port Adelaide grain processing facilities.

From June 1 these facilities at Two Wells and Port Adelaide will join ProGrain’s existing operations at Laverton North (Melbourne) and Dooen, near Horsham, as one unified business unit.

ProGrain will also be responsible for control and coordination of the meals storage needs of ABB and external clients nationally.

What this means for growers and customers (here and overseas) is a unified approach in providing superior service, increased quality assurance and more efficient use of logistics.

ProGrain’s founder and general manager, Norm Lee, says there are some exciting times ahead for the firm’s container and grain processing operations.

Consolidation of strategically-based packing sites across SA and Victoria will bring with it economies that will flow on to the grower.

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