GEA to Lead Construction of World's Largest Dairy Facility in Algeria
Source: dairynews.today
A landmark project in Algeria aims to boost local milk powder production, with GEA spearheading the construction of the world's largest dairy facility.
GEA is making notable strides in the construction of a state-of-the-art integrated dairy farming and milk powder production facility in Algeria's Adrar province. This development is pivotal for Algeria's ambition of achieving self-sufficiency in milk powder, targeting to fulfill around 50% of the nation's needs. This facility will not only boost local production but is also projected to create nearly 5,000 jobs.
The project is set to launch in early 2026. Its primary goal is to reduce the country’s dependence on dairy imports, especially considering that Algeria ranks among the top three global importers of powdered milk. The investment volume is estimated at €140–170 million (approximately $162–197 million).
The ambitious project was officially launched at a ceremony in Algiers, attended by representatives from the Algerian Government, Baladna – a leading Qatari dairy company – and GEA CEO Stefan Klebert. GEA has secured one of its largest single orders to date to provide comprehensive solutions for this facility, which will begin construction in early 2026. Algeria, currently the world’s third-largest milk powder importer, seeks to reduce dependency on imports and enhance food security.
Through a strategic partnership with Baladna Q.P.S.C. and the newly formed subsidiary, Baladna Algeria, the Algerian National Investment Fund is keen on reinforcing its dairy sector. The facility, located 90 kilometers from the provincial capital, is set to commence milk powder production by late 2027, with full capacity reaching approximately 100,000 tonnes annually. Stefan Klebert emphasized GEA’s pride in being part of this milestone project, noting its potential to strengthen regional food security and economic development.
The construction will showcase GEA’s capability in large-scale plant engineering, offering solutions from dairy farming to processing and packaging. This includes cutting-edge systems such as separators, membrane filtration, heat treatment, evaporation and spray drying plants, and automated packaging components. The partnership signifies a significant international collaboration, aligning with high international standards in technology and expertise, as highlighted by Mohamed Moutaz Al-Khayyat, chairman of Baladna.
Stefan Klebert emphasized that this contract is among the largest in GEA Group’s history: “We are not just building the world’s largest facility of its kind — we are contributing to the region’s sustainable development and food independence.”
The project is set to launch in early 2026. Its primary goal is to reduce the country’s dependence on dairy imports, especially considering that Algeria ranks among the top three global importers of powdered milk. The investment volume is estimated at €140–170 million (approximately $162–197 million).
The ambitious project was officially launched at a ceremony in Algiers, attended by representatives from the Algerian Government, Baladna – a leading Qatari dairy company – and GEA CEO Stefan Klebert. GEA has secured one of its largest single orders to date to provide comprehensive solutions for this facility, which will begin construction in early 2026. Algeria, currently the world’s third-largest milk powder importer, seeks to reduce dependency on imports and enhance food security.
Through a strategic partnership with Baladna Q.P.S.C. and the newly formed subsidiary, Baladna Algeria, the Algerian National Investment Fund is keen on reinforcing its dairy sector. The facility, located 90 kilometers from the provincial capital, is set to commence milk powder production by late 2027, with full capacity reaching approximately 100,000 tonnes annually. Stefan Klebert emphasized GEA’s pride in being part of this milestone project, noting its potential to strengthen regional food security and economic development.
The construction will showcase GEA’s capability in large-scale plant engineering, offering solutions from dairy farming to processing and packaging. This includes cutting-edge systems such as separators, membrane filtration, heat treatment, evaporation and spray drying plants, and automated packaging components. The partnership signifies a significant international collaboration, aligning with high international standards in technology and expertise, as highlighted by Mohamed Moutaz Al-Khayyat, chairman of Baladna.
Stefan Klebert emphasized that this contract is among the largest in GEA Group’s history: “We are not just building the world’s largest facility of its kind — we are contributing to the region’s sustainable development and food independence.”
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