MSU to launch food processing and innovation centre

The US Economic Development Administration (USDA) will give a grant of $3m to Michigan State University (MSU) for the launch of a food processing and innovation centre (FPIC).

The centre will be a USDA / Food and Drug Administration-certified facility that will help private companies scale-up and commercialise new food products and production processes.

It will help food companies create new products and assist larger-scale start-up businesses.

MSU product centre director Chris Peterson said: "The centre will be a distinct asset to support the evolution of food processing in the state of Michigan.

"It’s the equivalent of a pilot plant that any food processor can use to develop new products and production processes."

Clients will also have access to MSU experts in fields such as Ari-business, meat, dairy, and fruit and vegetable processing.

Commenting on the centre’s potential for job creation, US Senator Debbie Stabenow said: "When we grow things here and make things here, we create jobs here. Building an innovative food facility will create new job opportunities in Michigan’s agriculture industry and help move our economy forward."

Peterson added that it will hire four employees to manage operations, while more jobs will be created as companies develop their new products. This could ultimately lead to an estimated 300 jobs annually.

Two companies have already started work on developing their products, with seven more expressing an interest.

Peterson added that the centre could help in reducing investments on processing, packaging, shelf-life extension and marketing.

The centre will be located in an MSU-owned building on Hulett Road in Okemos. The renovation will begin in April 2015 and will open for business in early 2016.

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Image: MSU’s food processing centre will help companies scale-up and commercialise new food products. Photo: courtesy of MSU.