“Seed treatment has typically been part art, part science, with the quality of the end product entirely dependent on the skill of the operator,” says Peter Herold. “Bayer's goal is to increase the ‘science’ component of the seed treatment process – make it more precise, less susceptible to error, more consistent, and less reliant on the applicator. At the end of the day, this means consistently better seed quality, and thus better results for the farmer.” When it comes to innovation, emerging customer needs are primary drivers behind Bayer's equipment solutions. “From the beginning, we've worked closely with seed companies to identify what jobs they need to accomplish, where the gaps are, and ways we can help them do their jobs better. That perspective forms the basis for all our innovations,” says Mark Belden, Site Manager at Bayer's Shakopee, Minnesota (U.S.) equipment manufacturing plant and a veteran in this business.

As Paul Chinn, Production Supervisor at Frontier Agriculture Ltd, the UK's largest crop input and marketing company, points out, “We're continually looking for ways to improve our processing systems. This year we will be installing a number of Bayer Flowmetering systems, and we're working closely with the Bayer SeedGrowth Engineering team to ensure that their equipment integrates seamlessly with our control system. This is typical of Bayer's approach – they don't just sell us a piece of equipment and walk away. They use their experience to work with us to ensure it is installed and commissioned correctly, that it produces treated seed of the highest quality, and then offer ongoing maintenance and support as required. This gives me support I can truly rely on.”

To fuel these design solutions, the team is tapping new frontiers in technology. For example, Martin and others are working with Bayer Technology Services in Leverkusen, Germany, using computer modeling to explore minute modifications in component design – such as blade shape, angles or mixer size – that could potentially deliver higher quality applications or process improvements. An exciting field of opportunity for Mark Belden is 3D printing. “I believe it’s going to change the face of manufacturing,” he says. “This technology is amazing, and it's really exciting to see and start thinking about possibilities.” Today's 3D technology allows for rapid prototype production and testing, enabling engineers to adapt equipment and deliver solutions faster and at reduced cost. Mark Belden predicts that, not too far into the future, customers will have the ability to download data files and produce equipment or parts, all at their own desktops. “Imagine a piece of equipment that has 27 parts, all of which are manufactured separately and assembled by hand today. Now imagine being able to print the whole thing in one piece with a 3D printer. The potential impacts of that on manufacturing are huge!” he exclaims. “With this technology, we'll have great opportunities to enhance efficiencies, quality and customer service, and reduce costs – all of which will ultimately benefit our customers.”