- NDDB subsidiary IDMC commissions its first fully automated overseas dairy processing plant in the UK, showcasing India’s world-class manufacturing excellence
- 10 LLPD Freshways facility marks a watershed moment for Indian dairy technology exports and reinforces the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat
- Chairman Dr Meenesh Shah says the milestone reflects India’s engineering prowess and growing global competitiveness in dairy infrastructure
- Project opens new global opportunities for Indian dairy engineering solutions as IDMC enters the league of elite international dairy technology providers
NE BUSINESS BUREAU
ANAND, JULY 11
In a landmark achievement that signals India’s emergence as a global powerhouse in dairy engineering, IDMC Limited, the wholly owned subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), has commissioned its first-ever overseas dairy processing plant—a state-of-the-art, fully automated 10 lakh litres per day (LLPD) facility for Freshways in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
The prestigious project, inaugurated by Dr Meenesh Shah, Chairman of NDDB and IDMC Limited, marks a defining milestone for India’s dairy technology sector, transforming decades of indigenous expertise into an internationally recognised engineering success story.
Describing the occasion as a historic moment, Dr Shah thanked Freshways for reposing confidence in NDDB and IDMC Limited for executing the ambitious project.
“This is a historic milestone for IDMC Limited. Our first complete dairy processing plant outside India stands as a testament to India’s engineering excellence and growing global capabilities,” Dr Shah said.
Tracing IDMC’s evolution, he recalled that the company was established to reduce India’s dependence on imported dairy processing equipment and has since evolved into a globally competitive manufacturer of world-class dairy processing solutions.
He noted that the successful commissioning of the Birmingham facility demonstrates India’s capability to design, manufacture and execute sophisticated dairy infrastructure projects at international standards.
“For decades, IDMC has played a pivotal role in strengthening India’s dairy ecosystem by providing world-class dairy processing infrastructure. The successful execution of this international project reinforces the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat while showcasing India’s capability to deliver excellence globally,” he added.
The Birmingham dairy plant represents one of the most technologically advanced facilities developed by an Indian company overseas. Built with complete automation, the project encompasses end-to-end dairy processing solutions, including milk tanker reception and dispatch systems, milk processing lines, high-capacity milk storage silos, Clean-in-Place (CIP) systems, cream processing facilities, product recovery systems, pneumatic valves, pumps, advanced Plate Heat Exchangers (PHE) and sterile air flushing systems designed to extend product shelf life.
The facility was developed after IDMC secured a first-of-its-kind export order from Freshways in May 2024 to establish the 10 LLPD dairy processing plant in Birmingham. The company’s mandate covered the complete lifecycle of the project—from design and manufacturing to supply, installation supervision and final commissioning.
Rajkumar Malik, Managing Director of IDMC Limited, described the successful execution as a transformational achievement for the company.
“Delivering a world-class, fully automated dairy processing plant from concept to commissioning in the United Kingdom positions IDMC among the elite players in the global dairy technology industry. This milestone opens doors to partnerships with more international dairy companies and will accelerate the global expansion of Indian dairy engineering solutions,” he said.
Bali Nijjar, Managing Director of Freshways, praised IDMC Limited for executing the project with exceptional professionalism and precision.
“IDMC demonstrated unmatched commitment, technical expertise and professionalism in delivering the Birmingham dairy plant to the highest international standards,” he said.
Industry observers believe the successful completion of the Birmingham project significantly enhances India’s standing as an exporter of advanced dairy technology and engineering solutions. Beyond supplying equipment, the project demonstrates India’s growing capability to conceptualise, engineer and execute integrated dairy processing infrastructure for demanding global markets.
With the commissioning of its first overseas dairy processing plant, IDMC has not only strengthened India’s reputation in the international dairy sector but also opened a new chapter for Indian engineering companies seeking to expand their footprint across developed markets.
