Accredited by the
severnvale academy 25 years of excellence in English language teaching
Professionalism, combined with the personal attention & flexibility which only a small school can offer... Severnvale provides expert teaching in a friendly, supportive adult environment.
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A unique opportunity to immerse yourself in English lifestyle language and culture
Expert teaching … is something we have all experienced at one time or another in our lives. It depends on experienced teachers understanding your individual needs as a learner; then having the flexibility and skill to adapt to them, helping you learn as much as possible. We have a team of such teachers - qualified, enthusiastic, experienced and caring - and have developed courses which inspire, motivate, and most of all, deliver the language progress you want.
... in an adult learning environment ... minimum student age 20, typical age-range 22-55, average age 29-35. Throughout the academic year all classes are maximum 6, average 4-5 people; in summer (July/August) morning classes are maximum 8, average 5-6 people. Typical numbers in the academy are between 30 and 35 adults at most times of the year. All lessons are of 45 minutes’ duration. Facilities include 9 classrooms, computer & listening centres, Wi-Fi, library, student lounges, sun terrace etc.
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... in a unique location Shrewsbury (see pages 7-9) is one of the finest medieval towns in England, but it is not dominated by tourism. It is a regional capital with a population of 100,000, centrally located with no regional accent, yet it has just one accredited language school - Severnvale Academy (established 1982). This is a place where total immersion really is possible.
We are grateful for everything you did for us during our staying in your wonderful town - rich experiences, excellent teachers, new friends. Special greetings. Dana Horova (Czech Republic).
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Well-designed learning programmes, small classes and excellent teaching our key resources in helping you to achieve rapid progress.
The English Courses All courses at Severnvale are designed to develop your ability to communicate accurately and confidently in English. The ‘Gen1’ general course is a well-balanced programme of structural and communicative English. The more intensive courses include extra grammar and/or 1-to-1 lessons to help achieve even greater progress and accuracy. The general courses suit adults with a wide range of general, academic and basic professional English needs.
Course Title Course Content & Features **
Gen1
Gen2
Gen3
Gen4
Exam
25 lessons
30 lessons
30 lessons
35 lessons
30 lessons
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
5 lessons individual (1-to-1) tuition
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3
5 lessons teacher-guided self-access study & computer-assisted learning
(see pages 5 & 6 for details of each course component mentioned below) 20 lessons general language development
5 lessons intensive grammar development & practice
5 lessons examination skills & practice (replacing intensive grammar for final 6 weeks) Level test, teaching materials, library access, progress reports & final certificate
Social programme, Internet & e-mail access (including Wi-Fi)
**PLUS 10 ...
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because staff at Severnvale mix socially with students during breaks, lunch and social events, you will have the opportunity to enjoy around 10 additional hours per week of contact time with teachers.
The Examination Courses Severnvale is an examining centre for Cambridge ESOL examinations FCE, CAE and CPE. We regularly prepare students for these examinations, as well as for IELTS & TOEFL. Exam courses are available for periods of 6-36 weeks. On longer courses the initial programme is similar to the Gen2 general course; examination-specific
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preparation classes then replace the ‘intensive grammar’ lessons for the final 6-week period, giving you the best possible chance of passing your chosen examination. Severnvale also prepares students for BEC 1, 2 , 3 & ILEC. Five lessons per week of preparation for these examinations can be added to most business & executive courses.
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This is a letter of gratitude to you, your school and your lessons which helped me to pass CAE. Thank you so much! Inna Kazachanskaya (Russia).
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Introduction / General & Examination Courses
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Your success is our primary aim. We analyse and define your unique needs as a language learner and we focus your motivation, build your confidence and help you achieve effective communication in
English training by professionals, for professionals ...
Business & executive courses Course Content & Features**
Business mini-group Courses
Executive (group + 1-to-1) Courses
Bus1
Bus2
Bus3
Exec1
Exec2
32 lessons
37 lessons
37 lessons
32 lessons
37 lessons
20 lessons general language development
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3
3
3
3
3
3
10 lessons Module 1 Business English “ESSENTIAL BUSINESS FUNCTIONS”
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3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
(see pages 5 & 6 for details of each course component mentioned below)
5 lessons Module 2 Business English “SKILLS & DEPARTMENTAL ACTIVITIES” (suitable only for English levels of intermediate and higher)
5 lessons individual (1-to-1) tuition 5 lessons intensive grammar development & practice 2 lessons teacher-guided self-access study & computer-assisted learning
(including a 15-minute weekly 1-to-1 tutorial with a senior tutor to review course content & progress)
Pre-course Needs Analysis and advice on course selection
Level test, teaching materials, library access, progress reports & final certificate
Social programme, Internet & email access (including Wi-Fi)
Exec3
Exec4
42 lessons 42 lessons
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3
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3
3
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**PLUS 10 …
in addition to classroom time, you will have daily informal contact with tutors during break times, lunch and evening social events, adding around 10 hours per week of contact time to your course - further enhancing your progress in English.
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I would like to thank you, John and Severnvale teachers very much for your contribution to the success of the application for my new job. I’ll start my new job as Purchasing Manager on 26th March. Olivier Marzin (SKF - France).
as a professional, and we respond to them. Working in partnership with you, English in the shortest possible time.
for special projects
Courses Bus1, Bus2, Exec2 and Exec3 are perfect for improving your English for a wide range of professional situations. You select the course intensity and balance of course modules to suit your specific requirements, based entirely on mini-group tuition (‘Bus’ Courses) or with a substantial element of 1-to-1 tuition (‘Exec’ Courses).
We can help you prepare for a particular presentation, negotiation, conference or interview. The Executive courses are ideal for these purposes - individual attention from your tutors is vital to the successful development of your project, while the group lessons develop your overall communicative ability for a wider range of business situations.
Business Courses
for general business purposes
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for specific industries & professions We have over 20 years of experience training corporate personnel from:- law firms; banking & finance; airports & air navigation; telecommunications; logistics; engineering; international trade; import/export & shipping; automotive & steel industries; dairy, confectionary and food production; public services; utility regulatory bodies; and many other areas. Course Bus3 and the Executive courses are appropriate if your needs relate directly to your professional area.
for examinations Exam preparation classes for all BEC levels or ILEC can be added to courses Bus1, 2, 3 & Exec1. Contact us for availability & prices.
or full-time one-to-one We can provide highly intensive one-to-one courses for those with a very short time to study, or whose needs are highly specific. You will be taught by a range of experienced 1-to-1 tutors who will provide a coordinated programme designed to suit your exact specifications. Full-time one-to-one courses are available for 25, 30, or 35 lessons per week.
Satisfied clients from:- ABB, Adidas-Salomon, AENA, Audi Academy, Axel Springer Verlag, Banco de Portugal, Bank of Fukuoka, Basell Polyolefine, Bilfinger Berger, BMW, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bosch, Braun, Busch UK, Cathay Pacific, Charlotte Meentzen, Clariant, Clifford Chance, CMS Hasche Sigle, Colbond Geosynthetics, Corning Inc, Credit Suisse, Culina Logistics, Czech Telecom, Dätwyler, DaimlerChrysler, Damovo Deutschland, Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bank, Deutsche Telekom, DKVEuroservice, Dohle Group, Dresdner Bank, Dunlop, Ebay, EBS, EON, Ergis, ERU Czech, ESAB, Eurotel, Expandia Bank, Ford Werke, Freshfields, Geyser-Gastech, Gillette, Givenchy, Grundfos, Grupo Minetti, Hager, Hennes & Mauritz, Heidelberg Press, Heidelberger Zement, Hochland, HL Hydraulic, Holcim, Honeywell, HSH Nordbank, IMS, KfW Bankengruppe, Knorr Bremse, Komercni Banka, KLM, Kone, KPMG, Lafarge, Landesbank, Latham & Watkins, Lentimex, Lovells, Lucht Probst, Mannesmann, Marathon Oil (EGLNG), Mercadona, Merck, Miele, Mitutoyo, Molkerei Alois Müller, Motia, MTU Aero Engines, Nestlé, Nissan, Novozymes, Olympus Optical, Opel GM, Optipack, Orange, Otis, Parc Asterix, Pegas, Praktiker Bau- und Heimwerkermärkte, Preussag-Noell, Quantum Logistics, Philip Morris, RAG Verkauf, Renault, Rheinmetall, Rohde-Schwarz, Rolls Royce, Saatchi & Saatchi, Samsung, Schaufler, Schaffner, EMV, Siemens, Sinterleghe, SKF, Solvay Deutschland, Somic Ishikawa, Sony Ericsson, Sony Music, Spelsberg, Stinnes, Sumitome Bank, Swiss Life, Telefónica Móviles, TM Immobiliario, Total, Toyota Deutschland, Trespa, UBS, Unilever, Vec/Valeo, Vodafone, Volkswagen, W.H.O. Japan, Xerox, Yale, Ziehm Imaging, and hundreds of other companies, government departments and organisations worldwide.
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Severnvale is definitely an insider tip. To choose Severnvale was the best decision I had made this year. I will strongly recommend your school to whomever looks for an English course. Dr. Hardy Fischer (Lawyer - Germany).
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All courses include the general language development component to give you the essential skills for The additional components allow you to adapt the course to your individual needs.
General language development (20 lessons per week included in all courses. Max. class size 6, average 4-5 except in July & August, when class size is max. 8, average 5-6.)
Part A - 10 lessons of progressive language development & practice - based mainly on coursebooks to give structure and direction to the whole process of your learning. Part B - 10 lessons of ‘active communication skills’ lessons which focus on the individual skills of communication - listening, speaking, reading and writing - to ensure rapid progress in your ability to understand and use English in real situations.
Intensive grammar practice & development (5 lessons per week included in courses Gen2, Gen4, Bus2, Exec3. Maximum class size 6, average 4-5 at all times of year.)
Grammar development at the level appropriate to your needs is included in the main general language development course. If, however, you have particular weaknesses which demand remedial assistance, or you need greater structural confidence, this module will suit you perfectly. It is designed to improve accuracy in every aspect of your English.
The components which make your personal learning programme right for you
Individual (1-to-1) tuition (5 lessons per week included in courses Gen3, Gen4, and all executive courses.)
1-to-1 can be dedicated to particular skills, vocabulary, or special projects, as well as to language issues which arise during the course. In liaison with tutors, you determine the style and content of the lessons. Note - between one and five 1-to-1 lessons per week can be added to most courses, subject to availability. We also provide full-time 1-to-1 courses (25, 30 or 35 lessons per week.)
Examination preparation 5 lessons per week of examination classes (max. 6 students per class) are included for the final 6 weeks of Severnvale’s examination courses. These lessons focus on the skills needed to pass the examination of your choice - FCE, CAE, CPE, IELTS or TOEFL. (Note:- preparation classes for BEC levels 1, 2, 3 or ILEC can be added to most business & executive courses on request.)
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It was a very good experience for me to study in Severnvale. Compared with other schools, I can recommend Severnvale to our employees with confidence. S Takeuchi – (HR Manager - Japan).
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Business Module 1 - ‘ESSENTIAL BUSINESS FUNCTIONS’ (10 lessons per week included in all business & executive courses except Exec1; Max. class size 6, av. 3-4 at all times of year.)
Select from the following ‘menu’: * telephoning * written communications (formal & informal) including e-mail * reading business texts * numerical information & basic statistics * visiting & visitors * entertaining * dealing with native speakers * diplomacy & etiquette * general presentation techniques * personal arrangements & business travel * the language of meetings * describing the company * international business culture & protocol *
Business Module 2 - ‘SKILLS & DEPARTMENTAL ACTIVITIES’ (5 lessons per week included in business & executive courses Bus3, Exec1 & Exec4; Max. class size 6, av. 2-3 at all times of year.)
Select from the following ‘menu’: * telephone conferencing * presenting specific content * formal meetings & video conferencing * negotiations * graphic & visual display * human resources * production & process * marketing & advertising * sales, distribution & logistics * reading or writing reports * public relations * financial matters * legal matters * premises & equipment * changes in the company * environmental issues * product description * others by request * Please note that a higher level of English is required for this module, so the courses which include it are limited to English levels of intermediate and above.
Teacher-guided self-access study & computer-assisted language learning (Included in all courses - 5 lessons per week on general courses; 2 lessons per week on business & executive courses.)
The opportunity to use learning materials of your own choice, with constant access to our teachers for help, advice, and individual guidance. (During the 2 lessons included in all business & executive courses, a 15-minute individual tutorial to review course content and progress is also included each week.)
Other inclusions - Level test, teaching materials, library access, intra-course progress reviews, end-of-course certificate and informal report on progress (included in all courses.) - Social programme (minimum 2 evenings/week in the company of teachers); free Internet & e-mail access, including Wi-Fi (included in all courses.) - Pre-course Needs Analysis and detailed advice on course selection (included in all business & executive courses.) We supply a questionnaire regarding your level and English needs from which we guide you to the appropriate courses, then devise the content of your learning programme.
- On request, a formal post-course report on progress and functional ability, with advice for continuing language development (included on request in all business & executive courses.)
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You can now put onto your academy’s CV that your training also leads to success in International Organisations... thanks to you for your great help. Ingo Faehrmann (Arcor - Germany).
6 Course Components
effective communication.
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Choosing the right place to study is probably as important as choosing the right language school. England, with few international tourists, and local people who welcome our visitors. Shrewsbury
History ... With a thousand years of architectural heritage, Shrewsbury is one of the ‘jewels in the crown’ of rural England. History surrounds you as you walk the streets, right to the door of Severnvale… our academy is in a beautiful Georgian House (c.1761) in the centre of the town.
but with plenty of ‘life’ Shrewsbury has a population of 100,000. It is the county capital of Shropshire and is the main commercial centre for a surrounding population of nearly half a million people. The town has plenty of life - over a hundred pubs, restaurants & night clubs; excellent sports and health-club facilities; internationally renowned chain stores and lots of independent shops & boutiques. It is surrounded by beautiful countryside - great for walking, cycling, fishing, golf etc. In fact, whatever you want to do, you can find somewhere here to do it. What’s more, Shrewsbury has one of the driest climates in the UK.
providing complete immersion in English life and language Here you can experience English hospitality at its best… a unique opportunity to integrate yourself into English life in a way which would be unimaginable in the UK’s best-known destinations; and unlike those places, often crowded with foreign visitors, in Shrewsbury there is just one accredited language school - Severnvale Academy, so nearly all social contact is with English people.
yet with no accent Shrewsbury is a place where the local people speak English well, with no regional accent. This helps you to understand more and gives you an excellent example to imitate, helping you to speak better English.
in an easily accessible, central location
YORK
LEEDS
LIVERPOOL
LIVERPOOL AIRPORT MANCHESTER
MANCHESTER AIRPORT M6
M1 NOTTINGHAM
SHREWSBURY M54
M6
EAST MIDLANDS
BIRMINGHAM AIRPORT
BIRMINGHAM
COVENTRY
M1 M40
LUTON
OXFORD M5 BRISTOL
STANSTED
LONDON
LONDON HEATHROW GATWICK
Around an hour from Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool airports; 1 1/2 hours from Coventry & Nottingham East Midlands airports; and 2 1/2 hours from London… Shrewsbury is central and easy to get to (see page 9).
FOLKESTONE
AIRPORTS MOTORWAYS RAILWAYS
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Severnvale is the best school of English in the whole world and Shrewsbury is a real Paradise in the Earth! Julia Moskaleva (Corning Inc. - Russia)
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Shrewsbury - one of England’s best-kept secrets
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We want to thank you and your staff for your high level organization and because, after our studying holiday in Shrewsbury, we have learnt a lot… our will to study English and deepen our language knowledge have grown increasingly! Mara Taragoni (Italy).
8 Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury is a perfect location… one of the most beautiful historical towns in offers real immersion in English life, language and culture.
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Centrally situated in England - Shrewsbury is easily accessible from major airports and provides a perfect, central location for visiting many of the UK’s most popular destinations.
Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool are the nearest airports to Shrewsbury - if you arrive at one of these airports, your journey will be quicker, easier and cheaper. Coventry (West Midlands) and Nottingham (East Midlands) are also nearby; of the London airports, Heathrow & Luton are best.
Taxi transfers - if you choose a taxi transfer, we will arrange everything for you. Our driver will meet you in the Arrivals Lounge (holding a sign with your name and ‘Severnvale’ on it) and take you directly to your accommodation.
Public transport - if you prefer to use public transport, we will send you details of routes, times and prices. You then phone your hosts on arrival in Shrewsbury and they will come to the station to meet you. SATURDAY is the best day to travel if you choose to use public transport.
Getting to - and living in SHREWSBURY Approximate cost
Approximate journey time
Airport
by taxi
by bus/train*
by taxi
by bus / train** One way ticket
Return ticket
Birmingham (BHX)
50 minutes
75 minutes
£11.00
£14.00
Manchester (MAN)
70 minutes
85 minutes
£14.00
£24.00
Liverpool (LPL)
70 minutes
100 minutes
£15.00
£26.00
Nottingham East Midlands (EMA)
90 minutes
£28.00
£36.00
Coventry West Midlands (CVT)
90 minutes
£18.00
£28.00
£34.00
£40.00
hours
£52.00
£62.00
London Luton (LTN)
2 hours
See Dates 2 hours & Fees 2 hours Sheet for 3 hours details
London Heathrow (LHR)
21/2
London Stansted (STN)
31/4 hours
41/2 hours
£54.00
£60.00
London Gatwick (LGW)
31/4 hours
41/2 hours!
£52.00
£62.00
hours
31/2
IMPORTANT! * These bus/train journey times are only a guide, and relate to travel on Saturdays between 10.00am and 6.00pm. Journey times are likely to be longer on Sundays, and early morning/later evening on Saturdays. ** These prices are only a guide. Ticket prices vary according to the time and date of travel.
Your welfare If you have any problems, we’ll be here to talk to you, guide you and help you find solutions. With 24-hour emergency phone lines and special arrangements with doctors and dentists, we will act swiftly to assist you in every way we can.
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The school is fantastic - small classes, interesting students and good teachers. My landlady is very nice, cooks very well. I’m delighted. I like the English living - it’s great! Fredy Dinkel (Carbotech - Switzerland).
Our priority is to ensure that your accommodation is exactly what you want it to be, because your living situation affects your ability to relax, study, and improve your English.
Travel & Accommodation
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Accommodation Severnvale is the only accredited private language school in Shrewsbury. We don’t have to compete with others for accommodation, which means our standards are extremely high and we inspect all accommodation regularly to ensure our standards are being maintained. We know all accommodation providers personally - many have been receiving our visitors for years. Every placement is considered individually, so the more you tell us about your requirements, the better chance we have to select accommodation which perfectly suits you.
Accommodation Type
Accommodation inclusions Homestay
De luxe Homestay
Executive Homestay
Guest House
Hotel
Single room (unless, of course, you want to share)
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You are the only person of your mother tongue
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You are the only foreign guest in the accommodation
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Breakfast included
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Lunch included at weekends
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Evening meal included every day
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Laundry included
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Study desk or area provided
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indicates that this feature is included indicates that we can arrange this feature on request
Private bathroom facilities Non-smoking accommodation available
Homestay - often called ‘host family’ accommodation
- we arrange for you to stay with a family, couple or single person who will provide you with a caring, communicative living situation in a comfortable home.
De luxe homestay - similar to homestay, but
offering greater comfort and space - a larger room (normally single occupancy of a double room) in an attractive home.
Executive homestay - similar to homestay, but with higher grade facilities. You will have a larger room in an attractive home, plus either en suite or private bathroom facilities. Your hosts will be well-educated and many are
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from professional backgrounds. Some executive homestays are a little further from the academy… if you are placed in accommodation which is outside reasonable walking distance, you will also be provided with daily transport to & from the academy, included in the accommodation price.
Guest house accommodation - normally on a ‘Bed & Breakfast’ basis.
Hotels - we have special arrangements with good hotels near the academy.
Note:- We can also assist students in trying to find flats and shared house accommodation if they are staying for 3 months or longer.
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Thanks again for the great job done by the staff of the Academy. All of you (teachers and other members) are successful in achieving both professionalism and kind spirit. Loic Balanca (Hager - France). I always remember our stay in Shrewsbury with great pleasure! Paolo Frankl (Italy).
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Severnvale’s Adult and Executive Centre
John Rogers (Principal) and brother James Rogers (Director) established Severnvale Academy in 1982 and have continued to run the school throughout its history.
Severnvale Academy 25 Claremont Hill, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY1 1RD Tel: +44 (0)1743 232505 Fax: +44 (0)1743 272637 Email: enquiry@severnvale.co.uk Web: www.severnvale.co.uk
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What impressed me about Severnvale was not only the trainers’ understanding of my needs (both linguistically and culturally) but their unlimited willingness to devote time and effort to continue assisting me. I had the impression that nothing I asked was too much trouble for them. They helped me to understand British Business culture, and gave me the language I needed to do my job effectively. Jamal Algedri - Stiftung Industrieforschung (German Industrial Research Prize) Winner 2002; Molkerei Alois Müller, Germany
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