Drying equipment is a cornerstone of modern manufacturing, critical in industries such as chemicals, food processing, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and environmental engineering. As demand for energy efficiency and regulatory compliance rises, global leaders in dryer technology are becoming more innovative, reliable, and specialized. This article explores the Top 10 Global Drying Equipment Manufacturers, highlighting major international players.

1. GEA Group (Germany)

Company Background

Founded in 1881, GEA Group is one of the world’s largest suppliers of process technology for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries.

Product Portfolio

• Industrial spray dryers

• Fluid bed dryers

• Freeze dryers

Distinct Features

• Compliance with international hygiene standards

• High automation and modular design

• Global service and training centers

• Extensive R&D capabilities

GEA’s solutions are known for precision, hygiene, and scalability, making them a preferred choice in dairy, coffee, infant formula, and pharmaceutical production.

2. Bucher Unipektin (Switzerland)

Company Background

A subsidiary of Bucher Industries, Bucher Unipektin focuses on fruit, vegetable, and beverage processing equipment, with a strong emphasis on drying and extraction systems.

Product Portfolio

• Vacuum belt dryers

• Continuous belt dryers

Distinct Features

• Gentle drying for heat-sensitive food products

• High product yield and flavor retention

• Focus on natural juice, tea, and plant extracts

• Integration with filtration and pressing systems

3. SPX FLOW (USA)

Company Background

Headquartered in North Carolina, SPX FLOW operates in over 30 countries and is known for its sustainable processing equipment.

Product Portfolio

• Anhydro spray dryers

• Evaporators and heat exchangers

Distinct Features

• Solutions for dairy, food, pharma, and biotech sectors

• Eco-friendly systems with energy recovery

• Strong automation and control system integration

SPX FLOW stands out for its commitment to sustainability, advanced process control, and global technical support.

4. Andritz AG (Austria)

Company Background

Founded in 1852, Andritz is a major international player in machinery and plant systems across multiple sectors including pulp, paper, and biomass.

Product Portfolio

• Drum dryers

• Flash dryers

• Fluid bed dryers

Distinct Features

• Complete turnkey drying plants

• Custom solutions for sludge, biomass, and minerals

• Patented energy-saving technologies

5. SiccaDania (Denmark)

Company Background

SiccaDania is a newer company established in 2014, offering innovative, modular solutions primarily for the food, dairy, and starch industries.

Product Portfolio

• Modular spray drying systems

• Instant powder dryers

Distinct Features

• Scalable equipment for startups and large processors

• Efficient use of energy and raw materials

• Modular design for easy upgrades

6. BÜTTNER Trocknungstechnik GmbH (Germany)

Company Background

A member of the Siempelkamp Group, BÜTTNER specializes in industrial dryers and energy systems, particularly for wood and biomass industries.

Product Portfolio

• Single-pass and multi-pass drum dryers

• Energy recovery systems

Distinct Features

• High-capacity industrial drying

• Long lifecycle with low maintenance

• Widely used in wood panel, OSB, and pellet production

7. Hosokawa Micron Group (Japan/Netherlands)

Company Background

With a global presence and a focus on particle technology, Hosokawa Micron serves chemical, pharmaceutical, and food industries.

Product Portfolio

• Nauta vacuum dryers

• Paddle dryers

• Thin-film dryers

Distinct Features

• Ideal for fine chemicals and sensitive powders

• Custom solutions from lab scale to industrial scale

• Advanced control and monitoring

8. YAMATO SANKO MFG. CO., LTD. (Japan)

Company Background

Established in 1927, Yamato Sanko provides precision-engineered thermal processing equipment across Japan and Asia.

Product Portfolio

• Rotary dryers

• Vacuum tray dryers

Distinct Features

• Simple, robust construction

• Reliable for long-term operation

• Commonly used in chemical and pigment industries

9. Okawara Mfg. Co., Ltd. (Japan)

Company Background

Okawara is renowned for its high-quality drying systems in pharmaceutical and food sectors, with a focus on GMP compliance.

Product Portfolio

• GMP-grade spray dryers

• Freeze dryers

• Fluidized bed systems

Distinct Features

• Full automation with cleaning-in-place (CIP) systems

• Precise control for batch consistency

• Compact and space-efficient designs

10. Jiangsu Jinling Drying Technology Co., Ltd. (China)

Company Background

Based in Changzhou, Jiangsu Jinling is one of China's leading drying equipment manufacturers. With more than 30 years of expertise, Jinling has delivered thousands of dryers to clients across 40+ countries.

Did You Know? Changzhou is known as the "Drying Equipment Capital of China", hosting over 500 drying equipment companies, and Jinling is one of its most prestigious representatives.

Product Portfolio

• Rotary drum dryers

• Vacuum dryers

• Spray dryers

• Fluid bed dryers

• Belt dryers

Certifications and Standards

• ISO9001:2015 certified

• CE Certification (select models)

• Extensive QA & in-house testing

Distinct Features

• Strong R&D capability for customized solutions

• Competitive pricing and quick delivery

• Pilot testing facilities for new projects

• Bilingual after-sales support team

Industry Applications

• Chemical powder drying

• Herbal extract dehydration

• Sludge treatment

• Food and flavor production

Final Thoughts

Finding the right drying equipment manufacturer depends on a balance of technology, efficiency, service, and cost. The ten companies listed here are trusted globally for their innovation, performance, and client satisfaction.