www.foodtechnology.co.nz 17 A goal to become more profitable and diversified is behind plans by Synlait to establish a research and development centre in Palmerston North. Chief executive John Penno says investing in its own research and development facility means the company can explore new and unique ways to make the most from milk. “We will be developing intellectual property across our value chain, which aims to maximise value at every step, beginning behind the farm gate all the way through to providing market access for our customers,” Penno says. Partnering with Massey University and New Zealand Food Innovation Network hub FoodPILOT, the new Palmerston North centre – which will concentrate on new product development, process technology and packaging - will be co-located at the forefront of innovative food technology research and commercialisation in New Zealand. “We are serious about growing our research and category development capability and plan to double our investment over the next two years,” Penno says. “Our commitment this financial year will be around $7 million, and our investment in Palmerston North is a major milestone on this journey. This is the first step for us as we progress towards new products, categories and markets in the future. We will need our capability in this area to continue evolving so we stay ahead of the game.” Sinlait innovation and technical services general manager Roger Schwarzenbach says food technologists and engineers employed for the centre will have access to some of the best scientific, technical and commercial minds and equipment in the industry. “It’s the perfect environment for our new team to explore options for diversifying our business, both at a product and process level.” Working closely with other teams at Synlait Dunsandel, the team will also have access to some of the most sophisticated equipment and processing technology in the world, he says. “As one of New Zealand’s fastest growing companies, our people have the opportunity to directly impact decisions we make,” Schwarzenbach says. “We will recruit a team in Palmerston North who aren’t afraid of a challenge and really want to make their mark. This centre will have a real impact on Synlait’s future. The team will help us launch new high-returning dairy categories, bring new product options to market and contribute to ever-improving product quality." SYNLAIT THINKS BIG We are the Local Choice powered by Global Partners • Automation • Power Distribution • Industrial Control • Services For more information, visit nhp-nz.com/more/localchoice NZFOODTECHADV_80754 NHP ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING PRODUCTS 0800 NHP NHP | nhp-nz.com | NZFOODTECHADV_80754_final.indd 1 21/9/17 1:33 pm DRYING TECHNOLOGIES We have a comprehensive package: Cool – air dehumidifying Controlled horizontal airflow Continuous vacuum drying Ball drying Freeze drying Micro wave Contact Scanz Technologies Ltd info@scanztech.com | 09 520 2544 | www.scanztech.com FT379 FT396
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