Mixing and dispersion technology specialist Ystral is expanding its testing infrastructure with the construction of a new validation centre at its headquarters in Ballrechten-Dottingen, Germany. The facility, which represents an investment of approximately €1.8 million, is scheduled for completion by the end of October 2025.

The new centre is intended to relieve capacity pressure on Ystral’s existing application technology centre and development laboratory, which have reached their operational limits. Once completed, it will increase testing throughput and improve conditions for customer-specific trials.

The validation centre will be equipped to support testing, operator training, and product or process development using Ystral’s mixing, dispersing, and powder wetting systems. It will also be authorised for tests involving flammable or explosive media—an expansion of capability that reflects growing demand for process validation under varied safety conditions.

In addition to hosting in-person tests, the new facility incorporates remote access functionality, allowing clients to observe trials via secure livestream. This hybrid testing option aims to support international clients and reduce travel requirements where necessary.

“Many customers still prefer to visit us in person, but for those who cannot, livestream participation ensures they can monitor and contribute to trials in real time,” says Uwe Klaumünzner, Head of the Validation Centre.

The centre includes several in-house analysis tools for evaluating test results. These include optical microscopy for particle structure observation, density measurements, dynamic light scattering for particle size distribution, and a range of viscosity testing methods. The equipment allows for analysis across a variety of shear rates, including temperature-controlled testing conditions.

Ystral states that the validation centre is designed as a customer-focused space that supports industrial partners in method development and technology assessment prior to scale-up or procurement. It also serves as a training venue for operators who will be working with Ystral systems in production environments.

The project is part of the company’s broader effort to strengthen technical collaboration with its global customer base and support process optimisation in sectors such as chemicals, food, and pharmaceuticals.

https://ystral.com/en

ystral company site in Ballrechten-Dottingen / Germany. A new testing centre is to be constructed here by October. 

The ground-breaking ceremony for the new validation centre took place at the end of May. Users can take part in the tests both in Ballrechten-Dottingen and remotely via livestream.