New factory manager at Dakas factory in Randers, but the course is the same
26.04.2022
Over the years, Daka in Randers has struggled with odour problems in relation to neighbours. Many measures have been tried with varying success, until a breakthrough came last spring when a new odour incinerator was installed. After the new plant was commissioned over the summer, not a single odour complaint was received from August to December 2021, which pleases the new plant manager Martin Schmidt. He has been in charge of the plant since 1 January this year and stresses that the course remains the same towards neighbours and the local environment.
“The new odour incinerator has made a huge difference. We are very happy about that. Now we need to keep the plant in top shape. That’s why we carry out ongoing maintenance, turning up the heat and burning off the deposits that build up inside the plant. Just like we do at home when we clean our pyrolysis oven. This may result in a slightly greyer vapour from the chimney while we are cleaning, but it is necessary to ensure stable operation.” says Martin Schmidt.
Although he is new at the helm, he is very aware of the good habits in daily life, which also counteract any odour problems.
“We are improving our ventilation system so that we can more easily maintain a stable negative pressure and avoid air leaks. I have come to the factory with new eyes and I must say that I am impressed by the commitment of the employees to fight against odours and to take care of our environment, for example by always remembering to close doors and gates.” says Martin.
No electronic nose this time
One project, however, has been closed now. Not because Martin has joined, but because it doesn’t make sense anymore. It concerns the electronic nose, which was launched as a development project together with the Institute of Technology.
“It made a lot of sense when you were struggling with odour problems. But we had the Technological Institute visit us after we had the new odour incinerator installed, and they found that the concentration of the markers used to calculate odour levels were too low in the flue gas for them to make sense to calculate odour concentration from. So we agreed to close the project,” says Martin.
The new odour incinerator has also made redundant the ozone plant that was installed after the odour incinerator some years ago to treat the odour. It has therefore been dismantled.
New factory manager grew up in Djursland
Martin Schmidt is a qualified mechanical engineer and brings solid experience from technical and production management in the food industry. His key issues are energy optimisation and sustainable production, and not least a good and safe working environment where employees have a say in how daily operations run optimally.
Martin grew up on a farm near Mørke and has lived most of his life in Djursland. He now lives in Grenå and has two sons aged 19 and 21.
Together with the employees at the factory, he has applied for permission to plant an additional two hectares of forest, bringing the total forest area at the factory to eight hectares. The aim is to contribute to the biodiversity of the area and to open up the forest to neighbours walking in the area.
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