Wedoany.com Report-Feb 25, The Kevili Farmers' Cooperative grain terminal in Mäo, Estonia, completed its first construction phase in October 2024. Located 83 km southeast of Tallinn, the facility in this northern-central village uses PENETRON ADMIX, a crystalline waterproofing admixture, to ensure the concrete silos remain impermeable to moisture, keeping stored crops dry. Built by Mapri Ehitus, the terminal currently holds 50,000 tons of grain, making it the largest in the region. A second phase, adding 75,000 tons of capacity, is scheduled for completion by mid-2025, with total investment reaching €23 million (US$23.9 million).

Hannes Prits, Head of the Kevili Farmers' Cooperative, stated: “To ensure the quality of the freshly harvested grain, you need to be able to store it quickly, ideally, right here in the vicinity.” He noted that the Mäo terminal addresses past harvest-season challenges when farmers had to transport thousands of tons of grain rapidly. The facility now supports large farms across Central Estonia, improving efficiency.

The terminal features multiple grain storage silos, vital for agriculture, where temperature and moisture control prevent contamination. Impermeable silo bases, achieved through PENETRON ADMIX, block moisture intrusion that could harm grain. Andrus Sõna, CEO of Penmaster OÜ, the local Penetron representative, explained: “For example, if any water or moisture seeps through a silo from any source and the moisture level rises above a critical level, the risk of insect infestation, as well as mold and the sprouting of grains, increases.” This protection maintains grain quality and quantity.

The project’s below-grade structures, including a tunnel linking the silos, faced potential flooding from a nearby river and high groundwater levels. Mapri Ehitus selected PENETRON ADMIX for the tunnel’s concrete mix, ensuring resistance to water penetration and steel corrosion while withstanding hydrostatic pressure. The admixture forms a non-soluble crystalline network within the concrete, enabling it to self-heal microcracks and remain waterproof throughout its service life. Sõna added: “The new tunnel of the Kevili Farmers' Cooperative facility will remain waterproof for the service life of the concrete.”

The Penetron Group, a global leader in concrete waterproofing and repair products, supports this initiative through its regional network. The Mäo terminal’s first phase enhances local storage capacity, with the upcoming expansion set to further strengthen Estonia’s agricultural infrastructure bymid-2025.