Raffinerie Tirlemontoise and Beneo invest millions in newly modernised laboratories

Raffinerie Tirlemontoise and Beneo, in conjunction with parent company Südzucker, have announced the official opening of newly modernised laboratories in Tienen, Belgium.

The laboratories are a centre of expertise for numerous global food innovations and trends and a €5 million investment in their modernisation, highlights the importance that the organisation places on R&D.

The multi-million euro investment has been used to create additional offices and modernise the existing technical facilities and equipment at Tienen. A new laboratory has also been developed for meat applications that need to be handled under specific temperature conditions. The refurbishment process has taken many months to complete, but the result is a stunning research facility that ensures that R&D is kept at the heart of Raffinerie Tirlemontoise and Beneo activity for many years to come.

Responding to the latest trends

Commenting on the new facilities, Rudy Wouters, Vice President Beneo-Technology Centre, said: “The new laboratory facilities demonstrate yet again how important R&D is to us as a business. The analytical and microbiological research done at these facilities is focused around a number of specific applications, such as dairy, breads and cereals, meat and beverages and the results go towards informing our customers on the many benefits of Beneo’s ingredients. Thanks to the modernised laboratories we can respond with substantiated knowledge to the latest trends in a constantly evolving food industry.”

The inauguration of the newly modernised laboratories helped familiarise company partners with the offerings available on-site such as microbiology, analytical research and specific laboratories for research on the development of chicory root fibres such as inulin or rice derivatives. Those attending the inauguration were invited to use their various senses: sight, hearing, smell and even taste!