The partnership experience of YEDNIST' GROUP and Van Aarsen
The Ukrainian agricultural sector is currently undergoing one of the most challenging and, at the same time, most important stages of its development. Global competition, changing product quality requirements, the need to improve energy efficiency, and the optimization of production processes are forcing businesses to seek new technological solutions.
The feed industry is one of the areas where production technology directly affects the economics of the agricultural production chain. The stability of pellet parameters, formulation accuracy, conditioning quality, and equipment efficiency affect not only production costs but also the performance of livestock enterprises. That is why leading market players are deliberately investing in fundamental modernization of their production capacities, choosing world-class equipment and trusted engineering partners. A notable example of this strategic approach is the new project at Letyuchiv Feed Factory, which is owned by the YEDNIST’ GROUP family of companies — a Ukrainian group with more than 30 years of experience in feed production and comprehensive solutions for livestock and poultry farming. Today, YEDNIST’ GROUP combines production capacities, technological solutions, and expertise in feed production, building its own vertically integrated presence in the agricultural sector.
Together with the Dutch company Van Aarsen, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of equipment for the feed industry, a modern pelleting line with a capacity of 10 tonnes per hour was implemented. The new production complex became another stage in the development of the enterprise and a continuation of the long-standing cooperation between YEDNIST’ GROUP and Van Aarsen. This project is a notable example of how the strategic vision of a company’s management, comprehensive engineering implementation, and modern technologies can come together to create advanced production facilities.
YEDNIST' GROUP: development through technological leadership
Today, YEDNIST’ GROUP demonstrates an approach characteristic of the world’s most technologically advanced agricultural companies. Its development strategy is based on a clear understanding that competitiveness in the agricultural sector is determined by the quality of management and production processes. That is why investments in production infrastructure have always held a central place in the company’s strategic plans. For the company, production modernization is not about individual technical solutions but is part of a long-term development strategy. In today’s environment, it is important not only to increase production capacity but also to ensure consistent product quality, process energy efficiency, minimal downtime, and the flexibility to respond to market changes. It is particularly noteworthy that this is already the fifth YEDNIST’ GROUP plant to use Van Aarsen equipment. Such consistency demonstrates the company’s trust in Van Aarsen’s technological solutions and confirms the soundness of the chosen strategy.
Valerii Horishnyi, Director of the Production Department at YEDNIST’ GROUP, emphasizes that the company’s technological strategy is based on solutions whose effectiveness has been proven through years of operation, consistent product quality, and reliable partnership: “We view production equipment as a long-term investment. That is why our choice is based on practical experience rather than short-term advantages. More than twenty years of operating Van Aarsen equipment at YEDNIST’ GROUP plants have demonstrated its reliability, technological efficiency, high level of automation, and ability to ensure consistent feed quality. For us, it is important not only to purchase high-quality equipment but also to have a reliable partner throughout its entire service life.”
Van Aarsen: world-class technologies for Ukrainian production
The modern pelleting line with a capacity of 10 tonnes per hour, implemented at Letyuchiv Feed Factory, is an example of a comprehensive technological solution in which every stage of production operates as a single system. It includes feed mixture preparation, conditioning, pelleting, cooling, screening, crumbling, and the application of liquid components to the pellets. This approach not only makes it possible to increase production capacity but also ensures consistent feed quality and comprehensive control over the production process.
Vladyslav Vavrukh, Director of Letyuchiv Feed Factory, notes that modern production requires continuous development and the implementation of innovative solutions: “Today, feed quality begins with choosing the right technology. The new Van Aarsen line opens up new opportunities for our enterprise in terms of productivity, energy efficiency, and production stability. We strive to ensure that every tonne of product meets the highest requirements of our partners and customers, and modern equipment enables us to confidently achieve this goal.”
One of the key elements of the line is Van Aarsen’s Long Term Vessel (LTV) conditioner. It is used in modern feed production technologies and is installed above the pellet mill, where it provides steam conditioning of the feed mixture before pressing. Thanks to the First In – First Out (FIFO) principle and an adjustable retention time of 30 seconds to 6 minutes at temperatures of up to 90°C, it ensures uniform thermal treatment, improves starch gelatinization, enhances the hygienic safety of the product, and creates optimal conditions for producing high-quality pellets. Effective conditioning has a direct impact on production economics. The use of the LTV can increase pellet mill capacity by up to 20–25%, reduce its energy consumption by up to 20%, and ensure stable process parameters. The equipment has low energy consumption, an insulated housing, and electric heating to prevent condensation, while all product-contact components are made of stainless steel, meeting modern production hygiene requirements.
The heart of the new production line is the Van Aarsen CU750 pellet mill — a new-generation machine designed for optimal productivity, energy efficiency, and consistent pellet quality. An important advantage of the pellet mill is the Quick Fit® system, which reduces die replacement time to approximately 25–30 minutes, as well as a range of protective solutions, including a magnetic metal particle trap, a safety shear pin, and stainless-steel surfaces. The CU model features a closed oil lubrication system for the bearings, eliminating the risk of lubricant entering the feed and increasing equipment reliability. After pelleting, the product undergoes counterflow cooling, screening, and, when necessary, crumbling and the application of liquid components, including oils, enzymes, and other functional additives. This integration of advanced Van Aarsen technological solutions has enabled Letychiv Feed Factory to create a high-tech, next-generation production operation that ensures consistent feed quality, high productivity, energy efficiency, and readiness for long-term development.
According to Oleksandr Kovalchuk, Chief Engineer at Letyuchiv Feed Factory, modern equipment is changing the very culture of production: “We have received a technological complex in which every unit operates as part of a single system. The LTV conditioner, CU750 pellet mill, cooling system, and auxiliary equipment ensure a stable process and high finished-product quality. For the engineering team, this means predictable equipment performance, ease of adjustment, and the ability to respond promptly to production requirements.”
From technology to results: comprehensive project support as the foundation of successful production
The success of a modern industrial project is determined not only by the technical characteristics of the equipment, its capacity, or its level of automation. Even the most advanced technological system cannot fully realize its potential without proper integration into the production process, professional commissioning, and a trained team that will operate the equipment on a daily basis. That is why the true efficiency of a project becomes evident when the manufacturer takes responsibility for the entire life cycle of a technological solution — from developing the concept and selecting the optimal configuration to commissioning, staff training, and further optimization of the production process. This is precisely the approach that Van Aarsen has demonstrated for many years. For the company, what matters is not simply the delivery of a production line, but its actual performance under the specific conditions of a particular facility. Therefore, cooperation with the client does not end once the equipment has been installed. On the contrary, the most important stage begins with commissioning — adapting the technology to the needs of the enterprise, optimizing operating parameters, and transferring expertise to the customer’s specialists.
This approach is particularly relevant for Ukrainian industry, which is currently operating under significant challenges. War-related risks, complex logistics, the need to use investment resources efficiently, and the shortage of highly qualified specialists require international partners to provide more than just equipment. They need to be fully engaged in the implementation process. That is why the implementation of the new production project at Letyuchiv Feed Factory is a strong example of a modern cooperation model in which the result is achieved through the joint efforts of the equipment manufacturer, the engineering company, and the enterprise’s own team. As part of this project, Van Aarsen, together with Design & Construction Company CHIEF, provided comprehensive support — from coordinating technical processes to commissioning, equipment adjustment, and preparing personnel for the efficient operation of the new production line.
An important role in this process was played by Oleksandr Chumachenko, Van Aarsen’s official representative in Ukraine and Director of DCC CHIEF, who has been involved in developing modern technological solutions for Ukrainian agro-industrial enterprises for many years. For him, it is essential that each completed project goes beyond simply installing equipment and results in a fully integrated production system capable of operating reliably, efficiently, and predictably. He coordinates cooperation between the Ukrainian client and the international manufacturer, helps organize the work of engineering teams, oversees the implementation process, and ensures that the new equipment meets the specific production requirements of the enterprise as effectively as possible.
One of the key areas of this work is arranging the direct involvement of Van Aarsen specialists in the commissioning of the equipment. Oleksandr Chumachenko personally coordinates the arrival of the company’s engineers in Ukraine, organizes their work at production sites, and ensures effective cooperation between the teams. This approach makes it possible to resolve technical issues promptly directly at the facility, taking into account the specific characteristics of each production operation.
In the photo (from left to right): Oleksandr Chumachenko (Director of Design & Construction Company CHIEF), Jeroen Zonneveld (Installation Engineer, Van Aarsen).
Staff training is another important element of this process. Even the most advanced equipment cannot operate at maximum efficiency without people who understand how it works and know how to make full use of its capabilities. That is why Van Aarsen places particular emphasis on transferring knowledge to Ukrainian specialists. Staff training is an integral part of project implementation and an important element of long-term partnership.During such training, specialists do not simply receive technical instructions. They gain an understanding of how the entire technological system works: how to properly monitor process parameters, how to make optimal adjustments, how to maintain consistent product quality, and how to respond promptly to potential changes in production conditions.
During the commissioning of the new line at Letyuchiv Feed Factory, Van Aarsen Installation Engineer Jeroen Zonneveld took a direct part in the work. His presence at the production site was an important factor in the successful completion of the commissioning stage. The company specialist inspected the equipment, made the necessary adjustments to the technological parameters, and transferred practical knowledge to the Ukrainian team, enabling the enterprise to make effective use of its new production capabilities.
This cooperation is particularly significant in the context of the full-scale war. At a time when many international companies are reconsidering how they operate in challenging regions, Van Aarsen demonstrates consistency and responsibility toward its Ukrainian partners. The company continues to fulfill its commitments, support its customers, and ensure the presence of its specialists directly at production sites.
According to Van Aarsen representative Toby Janssen, supporting Ukrainian partners remains one of the company’s important areas of activity: “We fully understand the challenging conditions in which Ukrainian industry is operating today. Despite all the challenges, Van Aarsen continues to fulfill its commitments and support customers directly at their production sites. For us, this is not only a professional responsibility, but also a demonstration of respect for partners who continue to invest in the development of modern production.”
For the Ukrainian market, it is important that this partnership is built not only on technology, but also on people who have developed trust over many years. Toby Janssen has been working with Ukrainian enterprises for more than 20 years and has an in-depth understanding of the development of Ukraine’s feed industry. Over this time, he has developed a deep understanding of the needs of Ukrainian producers and has become one of the specialists who maintain a strong connection between international technologies and the realities of Ukrainian production.
Partnership proven over the years: YEDNIST' GROUP and Van Aarsen
Large-scale technology projects do not begin with equipment. They begin with an idea, a vision, and an understanding of what production should look like in the future. This is the philosophy that Oleksandr Chumachenko, Van Aarsen’s official representative in Ukraine and Director of Design & Construction Company CHIEF, has developed over many years. He sees a modern industrial project not as a standalone facility, but as a living system in which technology, people, and the experience of partners must work together. His approach is straightforward: the best equipment cannot deliver results on its own. Results are achieved when there is the right technological concept, reliable partners, and a team capable of turning an idea into a functioning, stable production operation. It is precisely this principle that has shaped the long-standing partnership between YEDNIST’ GROUP and Van Aarsen — companies that have brought together their experience, technologies, and shared vision for the development of Ukraine’s agricultural sector.
“The future of production is determined not only by what equipment is installed today, but by how well the entire system is designed. Our task is to create solutions that will work efficiently not just for one year, but will support the development of the enterprise over the long term,” says Oleksandr Chumachenko.
This vision became the foundation for the project at Letyuchiv Feed Factory. The project brought together Van Aarsen’s modern technologies, YEDNIST’ GROUP’s production expertise, and the professional support of the DCC CHIEF team. The result was not simply an upgraded production facility, but a technological platform for the company’s further development, featuring modern processes, high efficiency, and the potential for future expansion. The real strength of projects like this lies in partnership — when international technologies meet Ukrainian engineering expertise, while experience and trust become the foundation for new achievements.
The formula for efficiency: partnership, experience, and technology
Today, Ukrainian agribusiness operates in conditions that require not only professionalism but also strategic thinking. At a time when many companies are forced to reconsider their development plans, strong enterprises continue moving forward by investing in technology, modernization, and their future competitive advantage. Modernizing production is not simply about replacing equipment. It is a comprehensive process in which the experience of partners, the expertise of engineering teams, and the willingness to work together toward a common result all play an important role.
The project at Letyuchiv Feed Factory demonstrates that even under challenging conditions, Ukrainian enterprises are capable of implementing world-class technologies. The combination of YEDNIST’ GROUP’s experience, DCC CHIEF’s engineering expertise, and Van Aarsen’s technological capabilities creates a development model that can serve as an example for the entire industry. But behind every successful production facility are not only technologies, but also people — specialists who design, install, commission, train personnel, and work directly with the new equipment. It is professional teams and mutual trust between partners that allow an investment to be transformed into a real production result. Projects like this demonstrate that even in challenging times, Ukraine’s agricultural sector has the potential to develop and implement the world’s best practices.
The formula for efficiency is simple: modern technologies, reliable partners, and a shared vision of the future. YEDNIST’ GROUP and Van Aarsen represent more than just cooperation between companies. They represent a partnership built on experience, responsibility, and a shared commitment to shaping the future of Ukrainian industry.