The facility will serve as a hands-on resource for food processors, plus it will enhance Provisur’s own capabilities. It is designed to allow processors to develop new products, refine existing products and test processes ranging from separating and grinding to forming, coating and cooking to slicing, autoloading and freezing, said Mel Cohen, CEO and president of Provisur Technologies. As visitors make decisions about investing in new systems, they will be able to view and test machines or complete systems in a production-like environment and take part in training programs covering topics like operations, maintenance and hygiene. Seminars on product development and machine operations are also offered on-site.
Food-industry customers can create new products at the Ingenuity Center while utilizing the latest and most cost-effective processing technologies, the company relayed. “The Center offers a place for innovation with the ultimate objective to create value for Provisur’s customers and, in turn, their customers,” Cohen said. “We want to help our industry develop sustainable technologies to run efficient operations and create better products at a lower cost.”
Processors can use the Ingenuity Center to develop and test new products and concepts using the industry’s newest equipment, from an R&D perspective. They can also conduct a range of product evaluations in the facility’s food lab and test kitchens.
“Our vision is [to be] a vibrant and creative technology center that embodies the concept of Provisur ingenuity,” Cohen told guests before the facility walk-through. “We will collaborate with customers [regarding] food-processing technologies and applications. Our mission is [to be] a World-Class technology center that is constantly maintained in a customer-ready condition to effectively conduct demonstrations, trials, new product development and training.”
The Ingenuity Center also features flexible meeting and conference space plus it has various video capabilities. “This is an industrial-scale infrastructure; this is a food-processing plant with one exception — we have no finished-goods storage,” Cohen told his guests.
Upcoming events at the center are already planned, with specific dates yet to be determined. May activities will include a forming the perfect burger event; July will include a bacon-slicing event; September plans call for another facility open house; and a whole-muscle poultry processing event is planned for November.
“These are specific events for specific parts of our industry,” Cohen said. “But in terms of scheduling your own private demonstrations, work with your account manager and we’ll get those on the calendar, as well.”
Following introductory remarks, a fast-forward video featuring the construction of the facility was shown. A guided tour was then provided by Provisur staff of the following functional areas: food laboratory, separating, grinding and mixing, forming, coating and cooking, slicing and autoloading and freezing. After the tour, guests were treated to food, drink and live entertainment.
Provisur’s Ingenuity Center will be staffed by the company’s team of equipment and application experts, who will provide training programs, lead seminars and answer questions. Anyone wanting to schedule a visit to the Provisur Ingenuity Center should contact their Provisur representative or visit provisur.com for contact details and an online request form.
