Sheffield Hallam begin work on “industry-leading” food engineering research centre

Construction has begun on Sheffield Hallam University's industry-leading National Centre of Excellence for Food. The marquee new centre will eventually aim to improve food processing techniques and address the shortage of food engineers in the industry. Process Industry Forum reports on Steel City’s latest flagship centre.

Advanced engineering for the food and drink industry

Construction work has begun on what will become an industry-leading food engineering research centre. Sheffield Hallam University's National Centre of Excellence for Food Engineering is set to open in 2019 and will sit alongside the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park (OLP). The centre will play a strategic role in developing advanced engineering capability for the food and drink industry.

Plans for the research-led centre include pilot-scale production facilities, laboratories, workshops and teaching spaces. Work will focus on the application of engineering to improve food processing and addressing an industry-recognised shortage of food engineering expertise.

The Centre is designed to tackle food industry challenges, including productivity, health, minimising waste and reducing energy use. It will support the food and drink industry by developing new and enhanced facilities, processes and equipment and creating a knowledgeable workforce with experience of leading engineering systems and processes.

Leading light for research and innovation

Dr Martin Howarth, director of the National Centre of Excellence for Food Engineering, said: "The centre will support the food and drink industry to develop and implement new and enhanced facilities, processes and equipment, to keep the UK at the forefront of capability and efficiency in a very competitive sector.

"It will also enhance the development of a highly educated and knowledgeable workforce, through staff development and supporting employees with experience of leading engineering systems and processes.

"This project builds on our existing strong track record of providing excellent research and knowledge transfer, and of working in partnership with industry to develop education programmes that are designed to support companies by creating highly skilled and employable graduates, ready for the world of work."

Keith Thornhill, Food and Beverage Sector Head UK and Ireland at Siemens and chairman of the Industry Advisory Board for the Centre, added: "We are delighted to be a part of this ambitious project and look forward to ensuring that the Centre is a leading light for research and innovation in the food and drink sector."

For more information visit www.shu.ac.uk.