Nestlé has announced it will invest over €25 million in expanding its Research and Development Centre in Askeaton, Co. Limerick.
The enhanced facility will be part of the existing plant in Askeaton, which produces a range of powdered milk-based products for infants, young children and mothers for export to world markets.
The R&D Centre is set to focus on global product innovation for Nestlé’s Wyeth Nutrition infant and maternal nutrition business, and is expected to open in late 2017.
Chief Technology Officer, Nestlé Research, Stefan Catsicas, commented, "This Centre will be a leading laboratory in food and life sciences to continue to position Nestlé at the fore of infant and maternal nutritional product development.
"It will enable our scientists to explore nutritional opportunities that can improve the health and wellness of children’s lives. This major product development centre will be an essential part of our Global Nestlé Nutrition R&D network."
The extended R&D Centre will incorporate state of the art laboratory facilities and a full pilot-scale manufacturing line for the development and testing of new products, from initial concept through to finished product development.
The project investment is being supported by Enterprise Ireland, with its Food Division Director, Michael Cantwell saying, "This is a strategically important investment for Ireland and is a huge vote of confidence in the future of the Irish dairy industry and the research connectedness in Ireland.
"Nestlé’s decision to extend its R&D centre at its manufacturing plant at the Askeaton site is of critical strategic importance and underpins Nestlé’s commitment to its Irish based operations."
© 2016 - Checkout Magazine by Jenny Whelan.
