BRIEFS: Business

Dairy giant plans new energy-efficient plant

Estrella Azul, one of the country’s leading dairy companies, plans to open a new, more energy-efficient processing plant in the capital in 2011, reported Frank Tedman, operations manager and engineer for the company.

Designs for the $60 million project will feature energy-saving technologies that the company hopes will reduce mounting overhead costs. “During the construction, we’ll take advantage of the land’s natural slopes to channel the force of gravity,” explained Tedman. “The plumbing will also be on an incline so that residue won’t build up, making for more efficient processing.”

The building’s design will also take into account the area’s natural light sources, further reducing the plant’s consumption of electricity.

The modern plant will be constructed on property adjacent to the company’s current headquarters on Vía Transístmica, and will extend toward Vía Fernández de Córdova. Estrella Azul has operated on the site for the last 52 years.

The dairy giant is one of several Panamanian companies developing new strategies and technology to offset for rising fuel prices and increased costs of raw materials. Last week, Estrella Azul signed a contract with Indra Technology for access to that international company’s integrated information system.

“This technological tool will improve the quality of information, and facilitate the business’ logistics and decision-making,” said Tedman. Installation of the system carries an estimated cost of $2.5 million.