Sustainable animal feed storage: 45 years of Polem at P. Bos

How Polem provides 45 years of sustainable storage at P. Bos Feed: a real-world example of unmatched quality

In the fast-moving animal feed industry, reliability is not a luxury — it is a necessity. Family-owned P. Bos Feed, active since 1894 and based in Ederveen, knows this better than anyone. With an annual production of around 150,000 tons of animal feed, quality and continuity are their top priorities.

A recent site visit by the Polem team revealed something remarkable: the composite silos from Polem have been standing on-site for an impressive 45 years. Still in perfect condition and in daily operation. This real-world example shows how investing in durable storage truly pays off.

Challenges and analysis

The animal feed industry imposes strict requirements: hygiene, food safety and consistent product quality are critical. On top of this, silos must withstand changing weather conditions, chemical stress and mechanical wear.

For P. Bos, another key point was operational continuity without unexpected costs. Any downtime or malfunctions in the storage infrastructure can have serious financial and operational consequences. Choosing long-lasting, low-maintenance silos was therefore a strategic decision from the start.

Solution and implementation

At the time, P. Bos selected composite silos from Polem, made of glass fiber reinforced plastic (grp). This material offers many advantages:

Corrosion resistance against weather and aggressive substances
Condensation-free storage, preventing mould formation
Smooth, seamless inner walls for easy, hygienic cleaning
Low-maintenance construction with an extremely long service life

Installation was smooth and efficient. Thanks to their modular design and low weight, the silos were quickly and easily set up. Since then, they have been proving their value every single day in the operation of P. Bos.

Results

After nearly half a century, the Polem silos are still fully operational. There is no corrosion, no deformation, no mechanical issues. Moreover, maintenance costs over the years have been minimal, resulting in an extremely low total cost of ownership.

The impact on P. Bos is clear:

Consistent product quality thanks to optimal storage conditions
Maximum operational reliability with no downtime
Full compliance with gmp+ and other food safety standards
Long-term cost savings due to durability and minimal maintenance

This is exactly what we mean by 'every grain, every drop'. Quality in, quality out. Even after almost half a century, said the Polem team.

Lessons learned

What can we take away from this case? First and foremost, that quality pays for itself many times over. By choosing premium materials and smart engineering, you avoid costly replacements and unnecessary maintenance.

Secondly, true sustainability is not just about the environment — it is also about economic and operational lifetime. A good silo proves its worth not in the first five years, but over decades.

Conclusion

The collaboration between P. Bos Feed and Polem demonstrates what sustainable storage means in practice. Where other silos would have been replaced long ago, these composite silos are still performing daily.

Looking ahead, one thing is certain: P. Bos will continue to rely on Polem storage solutions to keep their premium animal feed safe and efficiently stored.

It is not just a silo. It is a Polem.

FAQ

1. Why should I choose composite silos instead of steel?
Composite silos are fully corrosion-resistant, condensation-free and low-maintenance. Unlike steel, they do not require regular treatments or recoating, which saves significant costs over time.

2. What is the expected service life of a Polem composite silo?
As this case shows: at least 45 years is realistic. The exact lifespan depends on use and maintenance, but extended durability is a proven advantage.

3. Are these silos suitable for all types of animal feed?
Yes, they meet the strictest food safety standards and can store a wide range of products, from powders to pellets. The smooth interior prevents product residues from building up.

4. What are the maintenance requirements for these silos?
Very minimal. Regular visual inspections and standard hygiene routines are usually sufficient to keep the silos in perfect working condition for many years.

5. Are there long-term cost advantages?
Absolutely. Low maintenance costs, no replacement investments and reliable performance mean a very low total cost of ownership. The silos are both sustainable and financially attractive.

Contact

Are you curious about how custom storage silos or tanks can also provide sustainable benefits in your process? Then get in touch with Polem. We are happy to think with you about the best solution for your situation.