Perth

Plant Manager- Michael Ryan

About

Situated approximately 13km southeast of the Perth CBD, Perth Maltings was first commissioned in 1978. The malt house has an annual production capacity of 50,000 tonnes. 

The plant has controlled by state-of-the-art computerised technology from barley intake, through to barley cleaning, processing, storage and out loading of the finished malt. This ensures that precise processing parameters are achieved to deliver a consistent, quality product to the brewer or distiller. 

During 2021 United Malt Group will invest in a kiln upgrade at a cost of $27 million allowing for future production capacity expansion.

Production Capabilities

The Perth Maltings is traditionally formatted malting, comprising of:  

  • 7 x cylindroconical steeping vessels
  • 4 x Saladin germination boxes 
  • 2 x  Floor circular kilns 
  • Batch size 155 tonnes
  • On-site malt storage 12,000 tonnes

The entire plant is computer monitored and is designed for maximum economy in the utilisation of all resources.  

Malting Process

Barley Receival
Our Perth team test the barley for varietal purity, appearance, protein content. Before it goes through the malting process, the barley is cleaned via a shaking/vibrating screen and indent cylinder separation.
Steeping
Batch size is 155 tonnes with a 19hr maximum steeping cycle.
Steeping configuration incorporates 7 x 22.2 tonnes capacity conical steeping tanks with multiple immersion steeping, aeration and CO2 extraction across two floors.
Germination
The plant runs four Saladin germination boxes with up-draught ventilation. Temperature control is maintained through a chilled water cooling system with a warm air recirculation facility. Germination typically lasts for four days.
Kilning
During the kilning process, one batch is kilned in the upper floor of the kiln for 18 hours. It's then moved to the lower floor for a further 18 hours of kilning to remove bound moisture and develop colour and flavour characteristics of the malt. Total kilning time takes 36 hours.
Storage
Onsite bulk malt storage capacity is approximately 12,000 tonnes via gas tight concrete silos and metal holding bins.