Mengniu, one of China's leading dairy producers, has built this factory to depend more on machines and digital systems than on human labor. This is part of a bigger shift in how the company processes, tracks, and delivers its products, with a heavy focus on smart technology.
Each day, the Beijing facility handles 1.2 million liters of milk. But very few human hands are involved. Robots move between stations, and machines operate with little noise or delay. Most of the work is automated, controlled by software and guided by real-time data.
The factory is equipped with sensors that monitor everything, from the temperature of storage tanks to the amount of bacteria in the milk. These Internet of Things (IoT) sensors feed information into a central system that helps technicians manage the process from a glass-walled control room.
There, a 3D digital copy of the entire factory, known as a 'digital twin,' allows engineers see what is happening in real time and fix problems before they get worse.
Artificial intelligence (AI) also plays a big role. It is used to predict when machines might break down, so repairs can be done before any damage occurs. AI helps with planning production, reducing errors by nearly 40%, and even cutting energy waste by adjusting power use based on the factory's needs.
Every package of milk or yogurt from the factory comes with a QR code. By scanning it, customers can trace the product's entire journey, from the cow in Inner Mongolia, to the transport truck, to the final processing in Beijing.
This system is powered by block chain technology, which keeps the data secure and helps build consumer trust. The factory also takes sustainability seriously. About 30% of its energy comes from solar panels and biogas.
AI systems manage energy use minute by minute to avoid waste. Even wastewater is tracked digitally and treated with advanced sensors. Around 95% of that water is reused, mainly for irrigation in green spaces.
In product development, Mengniu's Beijing team created an AI-based 'nutritionist' tool called Mengmeng. It offers customized dairy diet plans for over 10 million users.
The company also works with Alibaba to study market trends. When a new flavor, like bubble tea yogurt, becomes popular, the factory can quickly adjust production within 72 hours.
The use of advanced technology at the Beijing plant reflects a bigger shift in China's manufacturing sector. It's not just about making products faster, but about making them smarter and more efficient.
Mengniu started in 1999 as a small milk collection station in Inner Mongolia. But in Beijing, it now operates one of the most advanced dairy factories in the country. Technology is no longer a support toolâ€"it's now at the heart of everything the company does.
Mengniu sees 'lots of opportunities' in Africa
As of now, Mengniu Dairy does not export its products directly to Africa. However, the company has expressed strong interest in expanding into the African market, recognizing the continent's growing demand for dairy products.
However, it has previously engaged in initiatives like the 'Dairy Nourishes Africa' project in Tanzania, aiming to support local dairy industries through technical assistance and training.
During my visit, Mengniu's Vice President, Wei Wei, highlighted Africa as a significant opportunity for the company's future growth.
'We see Africa as a very important market right now. For now, we don't have a very specific timeline, but we really value this market…we see a lot of opportunities there and we will develop more business there in the future.' Wei Wei said.
Rwanda, with its robust dairy sector producing over one million tonnes of milk annually, stands to gain insightful lessons by adopting advanced technologies in dairy processing and management.
By embracing innovations such as automated milking systems, digital monitoring tools, and efficient supply chain management, the country can enhance productivity, ensure product quality, and reduce post-harvest losses.
Such technological integration not only supports Rwanda's goal of increasing milk production but also positions the nation to meet growing domestic and regional demand for dairy products.
Collaborations with technologically advanced dairy industries can facilitate knowledge transfer, enabling Rwanda to modernize its dairy infrastructure and practices, ultimately benefiting farmers and consumers alike.
Christian Mugisha
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/lessons-rwanda-could-draw-from-mengniu-s-smart-factory
