On the terrace... thinking about silos?
A cooling perspective on composite silos during hot summer daysA cold iced tea in hand. View over the water. The sun high in the sky. Nothing for a moment. Or perhaps... something. A thought about silos.Why? Because even on such a scorching hot day, it's striking how cool a good design can stay. And that's when we think of composite silos from Polem.The heatwave in the yardWhile you enjoy the shade, your storage stands right in the sun. Temperatures rise above 30°C. The asphalt is too hot to walk on. And you wonder: how does my silo actually hold up in this heat?With many traditional storage systems, summer is a problem. Metal silos turn into ovens. The contents clump together. Condensation causes mold. Products lose their quality. And the cooling system? It runs overtime.Composite: the natural air conditioningWhere steel expands in heat, puts connections under stress and creates vapor, composite simply remains... cool. No condensation. No clumping. No extra cooling needed.The secret? Thermal insulation.Composite: λ = 0.17 W/m·KSteel: λ = ±50 W/m·KThat's 300 times less heat conduction. In other words: the heat stays outside, your product stays at temperature inside – without energy consumption.Case study: July in BrabantA compound feed producer in the south of the Netherlands told us about a hot week with temperatures above 30°C.Two silos next to each other: one steel, one Polem composite. Both filled with the same compound feed. After a week:Steel silo: condensation on the inner wall, clumping at the bottom, increased moisture contentPolem silo: dry product, perfect discharge, no quality lossThe investment in composite had almost paid for itself that week, according to the owner.Why composite makes the difference on hot daysTemperature stability Heat stays outside, coolness inside. Ideal for temperature-sensitive products.No condensation Insulation prevents temperature differences – and thus condensation. And with it, moisture problems or mold.Energy-efficient Less or no cooling needed = lower operational costs and a smaller ecological footprint.Product quality is maintained Whether it's flour, salt, feed or chemicals – your product remains in top condition.Less maintenance No expansion, no stresses in connections. Less wear, longer lifespan.More than just coolnessA Polem silo excels in more than just temperature control:Seamless and hygienic designMirror-smooth inner wallPerfect discharge, even in summerResistant to UV and thermal stressFlexible to adapt or expandThe summer test: do you recognize this?Do you experience problems in summer with:Condensation on the inner wallClumping of stored productHigh energy costs due to coolingQuality loss or mold formationThen it's time to switch to composite.Cool advice for hot daysShould storage also be refreshing? Then choose Polem. Seamless, strong, mirror-smooth – and summer cool.Our specialists are happy to think along with you. Whether it's a compact silo or an industrial installation, we deliver the right solution for your situation.Or design your silo directly via our configurator.Every grain. Every drop. Quality in, quality out.It's not a silo or tank. It's a Polem.
Did you know…? The Summer Edition of Polem
The sun is high in the sky. Everything feels just a bit lighter: clothes, conversations, calendars. But did you know this also applies to silos and tanks?Light in weight. Heavy in performance.Polem composite silos and tanks are up to 70% lighter than their steel counterparts. And you’ll notice the difference. In transport. In installation. And especially when the temperature rises above 30 degrees.Lightweight? Yes. But without compromise. Composite, or glass fibre reinforced plastic , is extremely strong, corrosion-resistant and low-maintenance. Ideal for summer. And every other season.Why lightweight is such a smart choice in summerFewer transport movements. Lighter silos and tanks mean you can transport more in one go. That saves trips, fuel and time. Just what you need when roads are hot and margins are tight.Easier installation. No or less heavy cranes required. Which means no hassle on hard-to-reach sites, whether in urban areas or tight production environments.Reduced foundation requirements. A lighter silo or tanks demands less from the ground. Perfect for soft soils, sand, or temporary installations. Like road salt storage before winter arrives.Better working conditions. High summer temperatures call for smart choices. Lightweight components are less physically demanding and faster to install. Good for safety, good for your planning.Sectors that benefitFood industry Time is money – and composite silos are installed faster than stainless steel. Their seamless, ultra-smooth inner walls make them ideal for hygienic storage.Animal feed Composite silos and tanks can be placed closer to existing buildings without exceeding static loads. That shortens feed lines and increases efficiency.Road salt When weather turns, time is critical. Composite salt silos or tanks are quick to install – and fully corrosion-resistant. That means decades of use, even in tough conditions.Industrial & chemical sectors Composite silos and tanks are perfect for compact sites and existing platforms. Less weight, more flexibility – with no loss of safety or durability.Technical benefits in hot weatherMinimal expansion. Unlike steel, composite barely expands in heat. That means fewer stresses on flanges, less maintenance, and no shifting or ‘working’ silo.Better insulation. Composite hardly conducts heat. The result: more stable internal temperatures. Great for temperature-sensitive products and energy savings.Reduced condensation. Thanks to its insulating properties, less condensation forms inside the silo. This helps prevent clumping and spoilage – especially important during humid summer periods.Light in weight. Heavy in benefits.Polem composite silos and tanks last 20 to 30 years with virtually no maintenance. Easy to clean, fully adaptable, and always ready for change – whether that’s relocation or reuse.And the best part? Less weight = a smaller environmental footprint. Fewer emissions during transport. Less energy in production. Longer lifespan with minimal waste.Ready to invest in smarter storage this summer?Contact our specialists. We’ll be happy to advise you on the best solution for your application.Polem – The Right Flow Since 1972 Every grain. Every drop. Quality in, quality out.
Why composite? That's why.
Choosing a silo or tank might seem simple. But those who truly delve into material choice, application and lifespan quickly realize: not every material is equal.At Polem, we have been working exclusively with composite for over 50 years. And we have good reasons for that. Composite isn't a buzzword, it's a thoughtful choice. For you, and for your process.No corrosionComposite is naturally resistant to corrosion. That makes it ideal for aggressive substances, humid environments and outdoor storage. Where steel or stainless steel will eventually rust, composite remains intact. Even without coating.Lightweight and strongComposite silos are up to 70% lighter than steel. That means: easier transport, lighter foundation, faster installation. And at the same time: incredibly strong and resistant to high loads.Insulating propertiesComposite has excellent thermal properties. It limits condensation formation and keeps the temperature in the silo more stable. Perfect for food safety and product quality.Seamless designOur silos and tanks are produced as one whole, without seams or welds. No weak spots, no leakage. A smooth wall from top to bottom.Hygienic and easy to cleanThe inner wall is mirror-smooth. That means: fewer product residues, less cleaning time, and less chance of contamination. In food & feed, that's pure profit.Less maintenance, longer lifespanComposite is low-maintenance. No rust treatment, no additional coatings, no annual repairs. Simply: years of reliable use, with minimal downtime and lower TCO.A Polem silo isn't an option. It's the solution.Our customers don't choose composite 'because they can'. They choose it because it's smarter. More reliable. More sustainable. And future-oriented.Whether you're active in food, feed, industry, chemicals or de-icing: composite is the material for modern storage solutions.Want to know more?Would you like to know how composite silos and tanks fit into your process? Our market specialists are happy to think along with you.Polem Composite silos & tanks – quality in, quality out.
Cleaning without hassle – composite makes it easy
In sectors where hygiene is crucial, every detail matters. Whether it's storing raw materials in the food industry or in the animal feed chain: a clean silo is essential for quality and safety.At Polem, we understand that. That's why we manufacture silos and tanks from composite. Not only strong and durable, but above all: easy to clean.Smooth inside. Clean by itself.What makes composite so suitable for applications where hygiene is important? Simple: the inner wall of our silos is seamless and mirror-smooth. As a result, much less product remains in the silo. Residues that can stick to other materials simply slide down here.Less dirt buildupNo seams or gapsFaster cleaningReduced water and detergent usageShorter downtime.Simplicity pays – literallyLess downtime = more profitEvery minute of cleaning is a minute that your process is down. In food and feed, those minutes add up. Thanks to the smooth wall structure of composite silos, you save up to 60% on cleaning time compared to steel or stainless steel (without special coatings). And that means:More productive hoursLower cleaning costsLess chance of contamination or product lossHow to clean a composite siloDepending on the industry and the stored product, there are different cleaning methods. Fortunately, composite is compatible with most common techniques:Dry cleaning (e.g., with brushes or air): fast, efficient and sufficient for dry substances like flour, grain or powderWet cleaning (high pressure or foam cleaning): suitable for applications with higher hygiene requirementsCIP (Cleaning in Place): for automated plants, composite is highly resistant to detergents and temperaturesUnsure about the right approach? Our service department or market specialist is happy to advise you.An investment in simplicityCleaning is often a hidden cost item in the management of silos and tanks. By choosing composite, you make a smart choice that pays off in the long term. Fewer actions. Fewer risks. More control.Done with scrubbing? Time for composite.Want to spend less time on maintenance? Contact one of our specialists and discover what composite means for your cleaning process.Polem Composite silos & tanks – designed for the right flow. Even in cleaning.
A view of quality – Frisian precision, also at Polem
Anyone visiting our office in Lemmer this summer won't have to look far for inspiration. Because when you look outside – or rather: toward the water – you see something special: the Skûtsjesilen.Frisian tradition, technique, speed and teamwork come together here in an impressive spectacle on the IJsselmeer. From our workplaces, we have a literal and figurative view of it.Skûtsjesilen: more than a competitionSkûtsjesilen is a series of sailing competitions with classic Frisian cargo ships – once built for heavy work, now perfectly balanced on the water. Each ship has its own story, team and technique. Everything revolves around precision, knowledge and craftsmanship.Sound familiar?At Polem, we think so.Craftsmanship in compositeWhere Skûtsjesilen shows how smart design and local knowledge come together in top performance on the water, we do that on land – in composite. Our silos and tanks are the result of:Years of experience in glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP)Thoughtful engineeringAn eye for customization and detailAnd just like a skûtsje: designed to lastWhether it's food storage, animal feed, salt or industrial applications: our silos and tanks are reliable, low-maintenance and precisely tailored to your process.Summer greetings from LemmerSo if you happen to visit us this summer, be sure to look up. Not only at the silos on the premises – but also toward the IJsselmeer. Who knows, you might see a skûtsje gliding by.That's what we call: a view of quality.Polem Composite silos & tanks – craftsmanship from Frisian soil.
Summer update at Polem - We remain available to you
Summer is in full swing. The pace is just a little slower, the coffees a little longer, and the sun is doing its best. At Polem, too, we switch down a gear in July and August. But your question? It never goes on vacation with us.Because if you work with raw materials and storage, you know that some things can't wait. And we at Polem understand that like no other.What does that mean in specific terms?At Polem Composite silos & tanks, we remain available all summer long. No automatic replies or long waiting times. What can you expect?Available by phone and emailSupport for urgent requestsProject preparation for after the construction holidayAdvice and quotation requests are handled as usualOur account managers and service staff are ready for you, whether it's an additional question, technical support, or scheduling an Expert Check (silo or tank inspection) for after the summer.Summer = preparation timeMany customers use this quiet period to prepare maintenance or replacement of silos and tanks. Smart, because in autumn everything runs at full speed again. Do you have an inspection, modification, or expansion planned? Then this is the time to discuss it with us.Our Expert Checks are a powerful tool in this regard. During a check, our technicians look at wall thicknesses, wear, leaks, ventilation, and safety equipment, among other things. It prevents surprises and significantly extends the lifespan of your silo or tank.Enjoy the summer – we're standing byWhether you're enjoying the sun at home or still at work: know that you can continue to count on Polem. We wish you a pleasant summer period and are happy to help you – now and later.Wishing you a wonderful summer from the entire Polem team!
Vacation for your silo? No way.
Summer is the season of relaxation, maintenance and looking ahead. While people are on vacation, it's somewhat quieter than normal at many production locations. The perfect moment to reflect on the condition of your silos and tanks – and to think ahead about autumn.At Polem we say: planning now = preventing later. That's why this is the moment to schedule your Expert Check (silo inspection) in advance – so we can get to work for you directly after the construction holiday.Why plan now, not in October?When the weather changes and the pressure increases, many companies want to have their silo inspected quickly. But then it's often too late to intervene before it's really necessary.With a planned Expert Check:You have a guaranteed spot directly after the construction holidayYou get sufficient time for any repairs or adjustmentsYour production process remains undisturbed in summerResult: maximum peace in summer, maximum certainty in winter.What is a Polem Expert Check?The Expert Check is a thorough technical inspection of your silo or tank. Our specialized technicians come to visit you after summer to inspect the following among other things:Wall thickness and material strength (Barcol hardness)Visual inspection inside and outsideControl of components such as filters, ventilation systems, explosion panelsWear, leakage, cracks or delaminationFunction of vibrating floors and safety valvesYou receive a clear report with advice, photos and – if necessary – recommendations for maintenance or replacement.What does it accomplish?By planning early and checking in time:You prevent unexpected downtimeYou extend the lifespan of your silo or tankYou save on operational costsYou gain insight into possible risks and can address them in timeSmart companies plan aheadWhether it concerns the storage of salt, animal feed, chemicals or food products: every installation needs maintenance. Don't postpone it until it 'must'. Plan now – and be prepared later.Schedule now = certainty laterWould you like to secure your inspection for September or October?Contact our service department.Every grain, every drop – even after vacation. ✔ Plan now ✔ Prevent surprises ✔ Be prepared
Preparing for winter with Polem
Although winter still seems far away, this is the moment to prepare yourself well. Because when it unexpectedly becomes slippery, you don't want to discover that your salt installation or brine storage falls short. At Polem we are happy to help you be ready in time – with high-quality composite solutions and smart controls.Composite storage solutions for de-icingPolem offers a special range of composite silos and tanks for winter service. These are developed for municipalities, contractors and industrial applications where reliability is essential.You can come to us for:Road salt silos from 30 to 250 m³Mobile salt silos for flexible deploymentComposite tanks for salt solution (brine)Salt dissolvers with capacities up to 15,000 liters per hourThanks to the excellent insulation properties of composite, the quality of the stored salt or brine is preserved, even with changing temperatures.Why think about your winter stock right now?Summer is the moment to examine your storage capacity. Think about:Is your current salt storage still sufficient and safe?Can a (mobile) salt silo reduce the loading time of gritting vehicles?Have you ever considered gritting with brine instead of dry salt?Did you know that wet gritting – so with a salt/brine mixture – is more effective than dry salt alone?It adheres better to the road surfaceIt is more economical in consumptionIt is better for the environmentAnd it increases traffic safetyCertainty with the Polem Expert CheckIn addition to new storage solutions, we also offer certainty for your existing installations. With an Expert Check (silo inspection) we map the condition of your silo or tank. Especially with salt silos this is of great importance: wear or hairline cracks can lead to leakage or blockage unnoticed.Our specialized technicians inspect your silo or tank on:Wall thickness and hardness of the compositeWear of filters, ventilation systems and valvesStructural weak points or damageFunction of explosion panels and componentsThis way you prevent unplanned downtime and expensive emergency repairs as soon as the first frost strikes.Ready for safe and efficient winter service?Would you like to know what Polem can mean for you in the field of salt storage, brine solution or inspections?Then contact our account manager Piet Smits – he is happy to think along with you.Polem Composite silos & tanksSustainable, maintenance-friendly and ready for every season.Stock up to levelGritting vehicles loaded fasterSafety on the road guaranteed
Animal feed storage in summer: why composite bulk silos make the difference
The summer months bring not only sunshine and holidays, but also additional challenges for your animal feed storage. Heat, humidity and reduced staffing on the farm can create risks such as heating, caking and quality loss. With a Polem composite bulk silo, you choose maximum security and minimal worries.Condensation and heating: the summer risks for animal feedWith rising temperatures and fluctuations between day and night, condensation can quickly form in metal silos. The result? Moist animal feed, heating, mold and even spoilage. Composite – or glass fiber reinforced plastic – has excellent insulating properties. This keeps the temperature in a composite silo stable and effectively prevents condensation. Even better: Polem silos are optionally fully insulated and finished without thermal bridges.Choose hygiene and consistent feed qualityOur plastic silos have a seamless and mirror-smooth inner surface. This prevents feed residues from remaining and makes the silo easy to clean. Thanks to the correct hopper angle and application of vibrating floors, mass flow is possible. That means: first-in, first-out (FIFO). Ideal for compound feeds and fiber-rich products, where consistency is essential.Less supervision? No problem with a maintenance-friendly siloDuring the summer months, there is often less staff present. Your silo must then function trouble-free above all. A composite bulk silo from Polem is resistant to corrosion, UV-resistant and requires hardly any maintenance. Moreover, our silos have an extremely long lifespan and lower operational costs compared to metal variants.For every agricultural applicationWhether you are active in poultry, pig or cattle farming: Polem offers customized animal feed storage. Our composite silos are suitable for a wide range of feed ingredients, from corn and wheat to soy and alfalfa. You choose the configuration yourself: with or without insulation, with level indicators, vibrating floors or other accessories.Would you like to optimize your animal feed storage for summer?Discover the advantages of a Polem composite bulk silo. Ask our market specialists for advice or design your silo directly with our online configurator.Sustainable. Hygienic. Low-maintenance.Every grain counts. Every fiber stays in top condition.
Keep it cool. Even in summer.
Summer temperatures? Your product remains unaffected.In summer, the temperature in a metal silo can rise significantly. With all the consequences that entails: condensation, quality loss and product clumping. In a composite silo from Polem, this problem doesn't occur.Composite has low thermal conductivity. This keeps the temperature inside the silo much more stable – regardless of the weather outside. The risk of condensation is greatly reduced. The result: your product stays dry, pure and free from mold formation.Insulation without fussWant even more certainty? Our silos can be additionally insulated with a high-quality sandwich construction without thermal bridges. Applied during production, so ready for immediate use.Benefits of composite at a glance:Protects against temperature fluctuationsPrevents condensation formationNo risk of quality lossLong lifespan, even outside in the sunOptionally available fully insulatedWhether it's flour, salt, animal feed or other temperature-sensitive raw materials: composite silos from Polem offer maximum protection with minimal worries.Discover why composite wins in summer too.Contact our market specialists or explore the possibilities via our agricultural configurator.
45 years of Polem composite silos at P. Bos animal feed: sustainable storage in practice
A remarkable milestone in the animal feed industry: after 45 years, the composite silos from Polem at P. Bos animal feed are still fully operational. A site visit to Ederveen demonstrates the power of sustainable storage solutions.Last week, a team from Polem visited the production facility of P. Bos animal feed in Ederveen for an educational practice day. During this working visit, we gained new insights into the daily processes surrounding silo and tank storage in the animal feed industry.45 years and still operationalA remarkable fact: the composite silos from Polem on the site have now been in use for 45 years. And are still fully operational and in good condition. Tangible proof of the sustainable quality of GRP silos and tanks. It illustrates what Polem stands for: storage solutions that are reliable, easy to maintain, and resistant to the test of time."This is exactly what we mean by 'every grain, every drop'. Quality in, quality out. Even after almost half a century," according to the Polem team.Why choose composite silos?The practice at P. Bos confirms the well-known advantages of composite silos:Corrosion resistant: Resistant to weather conditions and chemical stressCondensation-free: Less risk of moisture problems and mold formationHygienic: Seamless, mirror-smooth interior walls for easy cleaningFood safe: Meets the strictest standards for animal feed storageLow maintenance: Minimal maintenance costs during service lifeSustainable: Long service life ensures low total cost of ownershipAbout P. Bos animal feedP. Bos animal feed is an independent family business that has been active in the compound feed sector since 1894. In their modern factory in Ederveen, they produce approximately 150,000 tons of animal feed annually, focused on animal health, efficiency, and sustainability.What characterizes P. Bos is a reliable and transparent approach, with short lines and personal contact. They are GMP+ certified and affiliated with SecureFeed, KAT, and VLOG, among others.More than storage: we create certaintyThis collaboration perfectly illustrates Polem's mission: we provide more than just storage solutions—we create certainty. Every grain, every drop is stored safely, in accordance with the highest hygiene and sustainability standards. Our silos and tanks are engineered for long-term performance, minimizing maintenance and eliminating operational risks for our customers.For the feed industry, this means specifically:Consistent product quality through optimal storageReliable discharge without residual productHygienic storage in accordance with GMP+ requirementsMinimal downtime thanks to low-maintenance systemsSustainable partnershipThe long-term relationship between P. Bos and Polem is based on craftsmanship, mutual trust, and quality. The fact that the composite silos are still fully in use after 45 years is the best proof of what sustainable bulk storage can mean.This case study shows that investing in quality pays off. Where other materials need to be replaced after decades, Polem silos continue to perform. This makes them not only sustainable but also economically attractive.It's not a silo or tank. It's a Polem.We thank P. Bos animal feed for their hospitable reception and valuable collaboration. Their experience confirms once again that Polem storage solutions contribute to continuity and success in the feed industry.Would you like to know more about sustainable storage solutions for the feed industry? Please feel free to contact one of our specialists.
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Live today: Polem mobile silo at Demopark in Eisenach
Today, Polem is present at Demopark in Eisenach – the largest trade fair for the green sector and winter service in Europe. On the outdoor grounds, we are showcasing one of our mobile silos for salt storage.Why do more and more professionals choose a Polem composite silo?Corrosion-resistant, even with aggressive saltsMinimal risk of bridging thanks to excellent insulationSeamless, ultra-smooth interior for optimal flowLong service life, even under demanding conditionsAre you visiting Demopark? Feel free to stop by. Our specialists will gladly discuss the best storage solutions for your needs.Not in Eisenach, but curious? Read our new blog about composite silos for the salt market — and discover why brine technology is the future of sustainable de-icing.