Richardson Milling, Inc., Optimizes Milling Efficiency & Consistency with Mixolab 2

Founded in 1857, Richardson, Inc. has established itself as a major brand in the flour industry, renowned for producing high-quality flours. With the acquisition of Italgrani USA in 2021, Richardson has continued to innovate in milling and flour quality. A key figure in Richardson’s operations is Nicholas Brammeier, who has been instrumental in implementing advanced quality control methods, including the adoption of the Mixolab 2, a cutting-edge flour analysis tool.

Richardson has a rich legacy in the flour milling industry and has consistently adapted to meet the demands of the market. Their location in St. Louis, Missouri, produces a variety of durum wheat flours, including semolina and whole grain durum, and even pelletized wheat middlings. The company’s commitment to quality and innovation has only strengthened over time, with Brammeier playing a crucial role in Richardson’s laboratory and quality assurance processes.

Nicholas Brammeier’s Role and Responsibilities

Having served at Richardson for over a decade, Brammeier oversees quality control, food safety, and regulatory compliance. His role has expanded significantly, especially with the evolution of the company’s laboratory capabilities. A typical day for Brammeier involves close collaboration with customers to meet specific product and quality requirements, along with direct involvement in lab testing for mill optimization and research. With his experience, he has been able to identify opportunities to integrate advanced technology, such as Mixolab 2, into Richardson’s operations, optimizing both efficiency and product quality.

Transition to Mixolab 2: A Quest for Advanced Analysis

Before using Mixolab 2, Brammeier relied on a Mixograph, a simpler instrument that has since been phased out of production. The need to replace the Mixograph with an advanced tool led him to adopt the Mixolab 2, a decision driven by the desire for greater analytical capabilities. “Mixolab 2 provides us with much more data to use to optimize the mill as well as assist our customers with troubleshooting pasta production issues. The transition [from Mixograph] was pretty seamless,” says Brammeier.

Mixolab 2 has become an essential tool in Richardson’s daily operations, primarily for monitoring milling consistency and process optimization. “In addition to our daily use, we also use it for research projects in collaboration with our Innovation Centre in Winnipeg,” says Brammeier. Brammeier and his team predominantly use the Chopin+ protocol on Mixolab 2, which delivers detailed insights necessary for mill optimization.

Impact of Mixolab 2 on Efficiency and Quality

The Mixolab 2 has brought substantial improvements to Richardson’s milling efficiency and quality assurance. By enabling precise adjustments and consistent monitoring, the Mixolab 2 helps Richardson enhance flour yields while maintaining the high-quality standards the company is known for. The instrument’s ability to provide real-time data has made it an invaluable asset in Richardson’s quality control efforts, saving time and resources while ensuring consistency in product quality.

Feedback from Richardson’s customers reflects the positive impact of the Mixolab 2 on flour quality. “Some of our customers have commented that our flour is far superior to any other suppliers that they have used,” says Brammeier.

Collaboration with Other Testing Equipment

Richardson’s quality control processes go beyond Mixolab 2, as the company also employs additional testing methods. Brammeier is working on a project to establish correlations between Mixolab 2, RVA (Rapid Visco Analyzer), and SDmatic 2 (Starch Damage Analyzer) results. By combining data from these instruments, Richardson aims to gain further insights into rheology, starch pasting, and starch damage, contributing to ongoing product optimization. This integrated approach highlights Richardson’s dedication to leveraging multiple technologies for a comprehensive quality control strategy.

Richardson, Inc. exemplifies how a company with a rich history can embrace modern technology to stay ahead in a competitive industry. With Brammeier at the helm of quality control and laboratory operations, Richardson has successfully integrated Mixolab 2 into its workflow, enhancing product quality and operational efficiency. The advanced capabilities of Mixolab 2 allow Richardson to monitor, optimize, and innovate in flour production, setting a standard of excellence in milling. Through continuous adaptation and a commitment to quality, Richardson remains a leader in durum wheat flour production, delivering superior products that meet and exceed customer expectations.

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