Anyone travelling along kilometre 289 of Rodovia do Café (BR-376) in Mauá da Serra, Paraná, will now notice a new landmark in the region: the exterior of the SL Alimentos mill, transformed into a large-scale open-air artwork. Standing 40 metres high, the mural created by Londrina-based artist Thiago Vilela depicts a stalk of oats, the company’s main raw material, and uses art to connect agriculture, industry and the local community. The piece is part of Projeto Raízes (Roots Project), an initiative that visually expresses the journey of SL Alimentos: a story that begins in the field, continues through the work of growers and employees, and connects with the city that is home to the company’s industrial operations.

A project that connects with the city

The idea of turning the mill building into an artistic landmark came from a desire to build a closer relationship with the surrounding area. According to architect Vanessa Rodrigues, who is responsible for the expansion project at the industrial unit, the initiative goes beyond aesthetics:

“We proposed transforming the mill building into a living artistic expression, capable of engaging with people travelling along the highway and with the entire community of Mauá da Serra. It is a way of reinforcing SL’s presence in the municipality, not only as a generator of jobs and income, but also as a supporter of culture and of regional artists.”

The expansion of the unit, which began in 2024, will help increase the company’s production capacity.

Art that transforms

The mural was created by a team of six artists and work began on 16 March, involving the assembly of the structure, surface preparation and painting. For artist Thiago Vilela, the project carries a meaning that goes beyond urban intervention:

“Art has an impact on people and transforms lives. In this project, the idea is to bring a contemporary visual language into an industrial space in a way that connects with the community.”

A self-taught artist, Vilela has completed works in several cities across Brazil as well as in other Latin American countries.

Projeto Raízes: a connection to place

More than a work of art, the project reflects a broader statement of purpose.

“Just as a grain needs roots in order to grow, companies that create value also put down roots in the places where they choose to grow. This project is part of our commitment to the community,” says Roberta Meneghel, CEO of SL Alimentos.

The initiative reinforces the company’s ties with Mauá da Serra, a city that stands out as one of Brazil’s main oat processing hubs.

Community engagement

Projeto Raízes also includes further actions planned for the coming months, including activities with the local community and initiatives in partnership with the programme Arte Por Toda Parte, involving children and young people from the municipality’s school network.

About SL Alimentos

Founded in 1988 and based in Mauá da Serra, Paraná, SL Alimentos is one of the largest oat processors in Latin America and operates as a producer and supplier of ingredients and products for the food industry. The company employs more than 700 people and invests continuously in innovation through its own Research, Development and Innovation Centre, while also advancing initiatives in sustainability, production expansion and international growth. Its portfolio serves a wide range of segments, including whole grains, protein cereals, flours, extruded products, proteins and plant-based beverages.