Buhler

What Buhler does

Bühler AG is a Swiss, family-controlled industrial technology group founded in 1860 and headquartered in Uzwil, Switzerland. The company designs and supplies plants, machinery, and digital services for the processing of grain, food, feed, and advanced materials, operating in 140+ countries with a workforce of 18,000+ and a network of regional manufacturing sites, application centers, and innovation campuses in Switzerland, the US, Mexico, China, Singapore, India, and the Netherlands. Its portfolio spans milling, sorting (SORTEX optical/ML-based platforms), extrusion (Nutrex 7 Series), drying, pelleting, conching/refining (Edition 26), wafer baking (OptiBake), and full plant integration, complemented by the Mercury MES automation layer, the Bühler Insights IoT platform, and the myBühler customer portal.

Bühler generates revenue through a mix of capital-equipment sales, integrated plant solutions, recurring digital and IoT services, and aftermarket maintenance. Pricing is quote-based, structured around multi-year enterprise contracts. The customer base is enterprise and globally distributed across food and feed manufacturers, cocoa/chocolate processors, rice and grain millers, pet food and aqua feed producers, coffee roasters, confectionery players, biofuel/biorefinery operators, and — increasingly — automotive OEMs through its megacasting business. Vertical additions in alternative proteins, precision fermentation (via Pow.Bio and Esau & Hueber), and insect protein (via the NRGene partnership) extend the platform into emerging food-tech adjacencies.

In FY2025 the company reported turnover of CHF 2.8 billion, down 7.8% year over year, with EBIT margin improving to 8.0% (from 7.6%) on cost discipline; Africa was cited as the strongest growth region. Recent strategic activity includes the acquisitions of Esau & Hueber and Endeco GmbH, the opening of a US$44 million manufacturing plant in Mexico, the Volvo Cars megacasting supply partnership, and the launch of the Nutrex 7 Series and Edition 26 product lines. The company is led by newly appointed CEO Samuel Schär.

Name

Buhler

Legal name

Bühler AG

Website

https://buhlergroup.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1860

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Bühler is a Swiss industrial technology group founded in 1860 that designs plants, machinery, and digital services for grain, food, feed, and advanced-materials processing, serving enterprise manufacturers in 140+ countries with a workforce of 18,000+.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Food Processing Equipment

NAICS

Food Product Machinery Manufacturing (333241)

SIC

Coating, Engraving & Allied Services (3470)

akta.pro primary industry

Industrial Drying & Evaporation Equipment (Dryers, Evaporators, Crystallizers) (IMAHAEAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Vehicle Body-in-White & Structural Assemblies Manufacturing (IMACAGAG)

Keywords

• Food processing equipment
• Grain milling solutions
• Optical sorting technology
• Feed processing machinery
• Industrial process automation

Headquarters

HQ city

Uzwil

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Equipment and Machinery Sales: Sale of food processing, feed processing, and industrial manufacturing equipment including optical sorters, extruders, dryers, grinders, mills, and complete production lines
2. Complete Plant Solutions and Integration: Design, engineering, and integration of complete processing plants and production facilities for food, feed, and industrial applications
3. Digital Services and Software: IoT platforms (Bühler Insights), MES systems, process optimization software, and cloud-based monitoring and analytics services
4. Maintenance, Service, and Aftermarket: 24/7 maintenance services, spare parts, equipment upgrades, retrofits, training, and technical support services

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Bühler is a Swiss technology group that designs, manufactures, and integrates industrial processing equipment and complete plant solutions for grain milling, food, animal feed, confectionery, and advanced materials industries. Its portfolio spans machines for milling, extrusion, optical sorting, drying, grinding, refining, conching, and pelleting, complemented by digital services (Bühler Insights IoT platform, Mercury MES) and 24/7 aftermarket maintenance, spare parts, and process optimization.

Product overview

Bühler is a Swiss technology group providing industrial-scale processing solutions across food, feed, and advanced materials industries. The portfolio operates as a platform-plus-modules architecture centered on core processing technologies (milling, extrusion, sorting, drying) with specialized industry solutions and digital services. Key product lines include: Alternative Proteins processing with PolyCool cooling dies and twin-screw extruders; Animal Feed equipment (Kubex 5 pellet mills, Granulex 5 hammer mills, Mercury MES); Cocoa & Chocolate processing (Finer S refiners, Nova S ball mills, Frisse ELK conches, Edition 26 systems); Coffee processing (RoastMaster, GrindDefine); Rice & Paddy processing (SORTEX R500, EcoDry); Pet Food and Aqua Feed extrusion (Nutrex 7 Series, Solis/SmartPet dryers); Optical Sorting technology (SORTEX platform with multiple models); and Digital Services (Bühler Insights IoT, Plant Essential, myBühler portal). The company also provides biorefinery, pasta, baked goods, confectionery, oilseed, pulses, and biomass pelleting solutions. Recent innovations include the Nutrex 7 Series extrusion systems, Edition 26 chocolate processing systems, and Pow.Bio collaboration for precision fermentation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Mercury MES: Manufacturing execution system for factory automation and process control
• Bühler Insights
• myBühler
• safefood.ai
• Bühler CUBIC Innovation Campus
• African Milling School

Products and services

• Alternative Proteins Processing Solutions Industrial-scale complete solutions for processing alternative proteins (soy, pulses, oilseeds, microalgae, insects) into high-quality meat or fish substitutes, including extrusion, cooling dies, and texturizing technology. Targets food manufacturers and ingredient processors.
• Animal Feed Equipment Complete solutions for animal feed production, including Kubex 5 Series pellet mills, Granulex 5 Series hammer mills, conveying, grinding, mixing, pelleting, and Mercury MES automation. For feed manufacturers.
• Aqua Feed Solutions Extrusion systems for floating and sinking aqua feed for tilapia, catfish, salmon, and shrimp, with twin- and single-screw extruders, dryers, and coating systems. For aqua feed producers.
• Baked Goods Production Solutions Complete solutions for biscuits, cakes, wafers, bread, and ingredients, including the OptiBake inductively heated wafer baking system, ContiMix continuous dough extruder, baking ovens, and cooling systems. For industrial bakeries.
• Biorefinery Solutions Grain-based biorefinery solutions that separate starch, protein, fiber, and oils for bio-based products and biofuels, with 50+ large-scale projects completed. For biorefinery and biofuel producers.
• Cocoa and Chocolate Processing Solutions Complete solutions from bean to finished product, including RoaStar roasting, Barth Debac debacterization, Nova S ball mill grinding, Finer S refining, Frisse ELK S conching, and Mercury MES automation. For chocolate manufacturers.
• Coffee Processing Equipment Complete coffee processing from green bean intake through cleaning, sorting, handling, RoastMaster roasting, GrindDefine grinding, and packaging; over 50 years of experience. For coffee roasters and processors.
• Confectionery and Snack Production Solutions Industrial machines for confectionery bars, masses, chocolates, wafers, biscuits; includes Solano S, NapaRoast, AeroRoast nut processing; SORTEX H/J/A/LumoVision sorting; ChoCoat Pro enrobing; and SnackFix forming. For confectionery manufacturers.
• Digital Services and IoT Platform (Bühler Insights) Cloud-based IoT platform connecting products, apps, analytics, and services, including myBühler customer portal for 24/7 online maintenance and ordering, Plant Essential analytics and monitoring, and safefood.ai food safety threat alerts. For plant operators and food safety managers.
• Dried Fruit and Vegetable Processing Solutions Drying and optical sorting solutions, including SORTEX F optical sorter with BioVision technology for 4-in-1 detection of color defects, shell, and foreign materials. For nut and dried fruit processors.
• Edition 26 Chocolate Processing Systems Next-generation chocolate processing systems, including Finer S Edition 26 five-roll refiner and ELK Edition 26 single-shaft conche, featuring IE5 motors and sensor technology that autonomously optimizes roll speed, pressure, and temperature. For chocolate processors.
• Mercury MES Manufacturing Execution System Full factory automation software that integrates plant control and processes to increase efficiency and traceability, with clear process visualization. For plant operators and operations managers.
• Grains & Food Portfolio Comprehensive range of grain processing solutions, including milling, optical sorting, drying, and handling equipment for wheat, rice, and other grains. For grain millers and food manufacturers.
• Oilseed Processing Solutions Oilseed preparation for soybeans, rapeseeds, and sunflower seeds with capacities beyond 15,000 t/24h, including OLCB/OLCC cracking mills, PolyFlake flaking, and Ecodry drying. For oilseed processors.
• SORTEX Optical Sorting Platform Optical-electronic sorting technology using cameras, lighting, and machine learning to remove defects and foreign materials by color, shape, and texture; product line includes SORTEX F, H, J, A LumoVision, N BioVision, and R500. For food processors across multiple industries.
• Rice and Paddy Processing Solutions Complete rice and paddy processing including SORTEX R500 optical sorter, EcoDry dryers, hullers, polishers, rice whiteners, and bagging equipment; 30% of world's new rice plants built with Bühler equipment. For rice mills.
• Nutrex 7 Series Extrusion System Next-generation extrusion system for advanced food processing applications. For food and feed manufacturers.
• Pasta Production Technology Pasta production since 1903, including Polymatik and Priomatik pasta presses, C-line dryers, PastaPro digital process service, and WinCos process control. For pasta manufacturers.
• Pet Food Extrusion Solutions Complete solutions for premium pet foods with single and twin-screw extruders, Solis and SmartPet dryers, Z-Mission heat recovery, MoisturePro drying control, and optical sorting. For pet food manufacturers.
• Pulses Processing Solutions Solutions for lentils, beans, peas, chickpeas, soybeans, sesame, and spices, including Pulsroll dehulling, protein isolation, and Pluto PCS / Milling Solutions process control. For pulse processors.
• Die Casting / Megacasting Technology Large-scale die casting technology for automotive manufacturing, producing single-piece body-in-white components that reduce production time and costs. For automotive OEMs such as Volvo Cars.
• Application and Training Centers Innovation centers in Switzerland, US, China, Singapore, and Netherlands for product development, process optimization, and training, including the Milling Academy, Pasta Technology Seminar, ChocoGenius online training, and the African Milling School in Nairobi. For customers, prospects, and industry trainees.
• Maintenance, Spare Parts, and Aftermarket Services 24/7 maintenance, spare parts supply, equipment upgrades, retrofits, installation, expert services, knowledge services, and process optimization through the myBühler portal and 24/7 Hotline. For installed-base customers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Energy reduction of up to 50% with OptiBake inductively heated wafer baking system
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability8 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Volvo CarscoreTechnology or Integration · 14 May 2026Supplying megacasting technology for Volvo's SEK 10 billion transformation of Torslanda plant in Sweden for EX60 electric vehicle production. Second deployment confirmed for Košice, Slovakia.
• Mars PetcareflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 May 2026Bühler participates in the Next Generation Pet Food Program alongside Mars Petcare, Big Idea Ventures, AAK, Givaudan, and Ingredion. Now in its third year, the program seeks startups developing alternative proteins, fats, oils, and novel ingredients for sustainable pet food, offering $15,000 funding and commercialization support.
• Agthia GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 May 2026Bühler powers Agthia Academy providing training and development services for Agthia Group's food and protein operations. Supports Agthia's Q1 2026 performance with 12.5% net profit growth.
• Pow.BioflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 December 2025Collaboration to advance next-generation precision fermentation. Partnership aims to make continuous fermentation a commercial reality using AI-driven systems for industrial-scale protein alternatives production.
• BUA GroupflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2025Strategic partnership to construct a 32-ton-per-hour paddy rice processing line for Nigerian conglomerate BUA Group. Agreement concluded in Dubai to strengthen BUA's position in Nigeria's rice market where national demand outstrips local supply.
• West-LinkminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 28 January 2025Partnership to open an optical sorting research center in California, expanding Bühler's sorting technology capabilities in North America.
• Esau & HuebercoreTechnology or Integration · 3 September 2024Bühler acquired German process specialist Esau & Hueber, enhancing capabilities in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology sectors through fermentation and automation technologies.
• NRGene CanadaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 August 2024Joint establishment of North American Insect Center in Canada to research black soldier fly protein production, targeting surge in demand from 10,000 to 500,000 metric tons by 2030.
• DIL Deutsches Institut für LebensmitteltechnikcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 January 2021Strategic partnership to work on next generation of extruded meat substitutes, combining Bühler's extrusion expertise with DIL's food technology research capabilities.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• GEA Group: GEA Group is a German industrial machinery specialist focused on food processing, dairy equipment, and separator technology, directly comparable to Bühler's grain and food processing solutions. Both serve global food manufacturers with complete plant engineering, processing equipment, and aftermarket services.
• JBT Marel: JBT Corporation (now JBT Marel following the 2025 merger with Marel) provides food processing and air transport equipment, directly overlapping with Bühler in protein, liquid foods, and automated processing solutions for global food manufacturers.
• Middleby Corporation: Middleby is a US-based commercial and industrial food processing equipment manufacturer serving bakeries, restaurants, and food producers. Notably, Middleby acquired CEREX puffing technology from Bühler in 2025, indicating direct competitive overlap in food processing machinery segments.
• Tetra Pak: Tetra Pak is a Swiss-Swedish multinational specializing in food packaging and processing, including dairy, beverages, and prepared foods. Highly comparable to Bühler's dairy and beverage processing equipment business with similar global service infrastructure and enterprise customer base.
• Marel: Marel is an Icelandic food processing equipment manufacturer specializing in protein processing (poultry, meat, fish) and is comparable to Bühler in business model as a global industrial machinery supplier with complete plant solutions, digital services, and aftermarket support for food manufacturers.

Emerging players

• SPX Technologies: SPX Technologies provides engineered solutions for food processing, HVAC, and detection/measurement. While broader than Bühler, SPX's food and beverage detection/sorting equipment overlaps with Bühler's Sortex optical sorting technology offerings.
• Hosokawa Alpine: Hosokawa Alpine is a German-Japanese manufacturer of processing technology for powder and particle handling, including milling, classification, and drying equipment. Comparable to Bühler's grain milling, drying, and size reduction product lines serving similar industrial customers.

Broad incumbents

• ANDRITZ Group: ANDRITZ is an Austrian industrial machinery group serving pulp and paper, metalworking, hydraulics, and feed/biomass processing. Comparable to Bühler in feed and biomass pelleting equipment, ANDRITZ represents a broader industrial incumbent with overlapping grain processing capabilities.
• Alfa Laval: Alfa Laval is a Swedish industrial group providing heat transfer, separation, and fluid handling equipment to food, dairy, and beverage manufacturers. While broader in scope than Bühler, Alfa Laval overlaps significantly in food processing equipment, separators, and complete plant solutions for similar enterprise customers.

Others

• Bühler Leybold Optics (internal division): Leybold Optics, a Bühler subsidiary, competes with thin-film coating specialists like Applied Materials and Shincron in vacuum deposition equipment for architectural glass, automotive glass, and optical coatings. This represents Bühler's advanced materials business segment rather than core food processing.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/buhler_group
• YouTubeyoutube.com/buhlergroup
• Facebookfacebook.com/buhlergroup
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/buhler
• Instagraminstagram.com/buhler_group

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A2 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Buhler