Major investment in equipment

We are installing analytical and processing equipment worth £1.4 million, as part of an extensive and strategic investment in technology for the future.The new equipment, which will underpin key services for industry as well as fuel research and innovation, includes:

• Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry for analysis of vitamins, pesticides, mycotoxins, acrylamide and other low-level chemical contaminants
• An ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry) system for simultaneous analysis of a wide range of heavy metals
• An FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared) spectrometer and microscope to analyse foreign bodies, packaging and food structure
• A high speed particle shape and size analyser - for particles from 2µm up to 3cm
• A soft drinks filler and carbonator
• Sparkling wine plant to support secondary fermentation, riddling (yeast removal) and bottling
• Rondo Smartline for sheeting, forming and cutting dough.

Commenting on the developments, Director General Steven Walker said: "Over the last couple of years we have consulted extensively with our members to identify their needs and have ensured that our strategy reflects those needs.We have been working extremely hard to deliver what has been asked for. This has been reinforced by strategic changes to the business structures, which has enabled us to deliver the necessary performance to implement these plans. It is very exciting and satisfying to see the first elements of these plans coming to fruition. These will ensure that we stay at the forefront of the practical application of technical excellence."