Nishinihon Feed Co., Ltd.
The new plant was constructed successfully, without incident or impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. The newly installed CGS ensured that there was enough power when the plant started operating. Mr. Kusaba told us, “We were surprised that we were able to cut costs even more than we expected before starting operations. The unit price for electricity is even lower than that from the power company. In addition to the immediate benefits of saving energy and reducing costs, we were able to reduce CO2 emissions. That is a major added value for us as a company, as we work toward achieving a decarbonized society.”
There were even more unexpected benefits that only a CGS can provide. Mr. Kusaba continued, “During the production of mixed feed, we use steam in the process of drying ingredients and in forming them into pellets. We are still purchasing steam from another company next to our plant, but in the future we feel that utilizing the steam generated from the exhaust of the gas engines will be a great way to use energy and not let it go to waste.”
The CGS as installed includes two 735 kW engines, and Mr. Kusaba has high expectations, saying, “I hope an even more efficient, higher capacity system can be introduced to us when we're ready to update our system in 15 or 20 years.” Apart from the system installed in this case, Hitachi Power Solutions offers a lineup of CGS of varying capacities. And in addition to providing the highly efficient CGS, we will continue to contribute to the development of Nishinihon Feed's business over the long term with proposals that meet their needs, such as providing systems that combine solar power generating equipment and storage batteries, which can be expected to reduce the environmental impact.
Most of the food services industry was hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic over the last two years, but the mixed feed manufacturing industry saw no great impact. This is because despite reduced meat consumption, it's not an option to stop feeding the living cows, chickens, and pigs. However, Mr. Kusaba said he is not optimistic that demand will expand in the future unaffected by the pandemic:
“I think food-related industries in Japan will be impacted by the drop in population in coming years. Our mixed feed manufacturing business will likely face intensifying competition from other companies in the industry. Success in this competition will depend on how appealing we make our brand. The strength of our brand is all about safety, reliability, and high quality. Establishing a new plant is part of building a system to improve our brand appeal, and we are determined to be a company indispensable all of the livestock farmers who are our customers.”
Finally, their commitment to safety, reliability, and high quality also extends to emergencies. Mr. Kusaba stressed that “We will use disaster-resistant CGS so we can continue to manufacture and supply our feeds even in the event of an earthquake or other disaster.” Hitachi Power Solutions constantly utilizes its robust partnership of people and technologies to keep the thoughts and concerns of our customers in the forefront as we build our businesses together.
Nishinihon Feed Co., Ltd.
