Technology Transfer - Local Fabrication and Training

In June 2008 there were over 50 VitaGoat systems in the field in developing countries. The intent of Malnutrition Matters is to secure the support of committed sponsors and implementing NGO's, to help carry out the vision of providing this versatile and economical equipment in many regions of the world, to enable both micro-enterprise development and high-quality nutrition production in developing countries.

The key to greater availability of VitaGoat systems in various regions of the world is local fabrication of the entire system, as well as local training and parts. To ensure that the VitaGoat program develops broadly and is self-perpetuating, VitaGoat systems must be economically attractive to local NGO's, community groups and entrepreneurs. Local high-quality fabrication will ensure that this is so.

Currently, G.D. Machines in Faridabad, India is the only manufacturer producing VitaGoat systems (see below for status report). Malnutrition Matters intends to transfer the fabrication/spare parts/training responsibilities for the VitaGoat to other manufacturers in Africa, Asia and Latin America. In Africa, fabrication would ideally take place at locations in East, West and South Africa. Fabrication could be transferred in stages, with some components sourced from India in the first stage. Other regions such as Latin America, and South-East Asia are being actively considered for additional technology transfers in 2007. Appropriate sponsors and co-operating NGO's are currently being identified. See below for the requirements that such partners would meet and the criteria by which Malnutrition Matters will make the decision to proceed.

Local fabrication will also result in savings on shipping and logistics costs, as well as providing additional local employment. (Note: No aspect of the VitaGoat is being patented or otherwise protected as intellectual property). Beyond establishing local fabrication, sustainability of the equipment and associated micro-enterprises requires the establishment of local training and parts centers for ongoing regional support. This will provide further local employment and income.

Requirements / Criteria for Technology Transfer

All key parts of the system, including the boiler and bicycle grinder, were designed to make them practical to produce under African and Asian manufacturing environments, using mostly local parts and materials. The VitaGoat system has some components made of regular steel and some of stainless steel. The steam boiler is made of mild steel (except for the steam coil which is made of stainless steel tubing), and operates under pressure up to 100 p.s.i. The cycle grinder is also made of mild steel. The pressure/cooker (up to 40 p.s.i) is made of stainless steel, and so is the filter press (they could be made of aluminum if necessary).

The following criteria are minimum requirements for prospective local manufacturers:

•  Experience in welding / fabricating low-pressure vessels up to 100 p.s.i.

•  Experience with stainless steel fabrication (part of the system) or connection to a local stainless steel fabricator.

•  Ability to communicate in English or with English technical translator available.

•  Ability to provide training, demonstrations and shipping for export to neighboring regions (including foreign countries).

•  A willingness to invest a moderate amount in the technology transfer, to show commitment. This includes building their own prototype from a Canadian-made model and from the engineering drawings provided.

The cost of a technology transfer, including a VitaGoat system (as a model), is about US $15,000 . A sponsor and the equipment fabricator would be expected to fund a substantial portion of these costs. More detail is available by contacting Malnutrition Matters (MM). MM staff would work with the sponsor and local fabricator to direct local interest in the VitaGoat systems, from NGO's or entrepreneurs within the region, to the local fabricator.

Technology Transfer Report - G.D. Machines, Faridabad, India

G.D. Machines is an equipment fabricator that manufactures various mechanical systems for the food processing industry.. They have a very competent managerial and engineering staff, as well as experienced and efficient machinists and mechanics.

Prototype evaluation and testing:

The test of the prototype manufactured in the summer of 2005 went very well, with several minor adjustments required.

Staff training::

G.D. has access to a local soy foods expert, who will be instrumental in helping their staff become proficient in soy food production with the VitaGoat, in order to be able to offer training to clients who procure a VitaGoat system. Additional food products which have been produced at the G.D. site include peanut butter, mango puree and dry soy meal.

Production Phase:

The first five production systems were shipped in early 2006; a total of fifteen systems were shipped in 2006. About 35 systems were produced in 2007, and about 50 are expected to be produced in 2008.