DOWNERS GROVE, ILL. – Global flavor and ingredients supplier Flavorchem announced it is opening a fully automated, custom-designed pilot plant that makes use of the latest thermal processing technology available.

The new space for customer collaboration and innovation is located at the company's Downers Grove, Ill., campus. It has three spaces designed specifically for extractions and experimental technologies.

The pilot plant will allow Flavorchem customers to run their products or base at a scale, helping the formulation process and optimizing production. The equipment can run ice cream, yogurt, beverages, syrups, fillings and sauces.

The company wants to improve the speed to market for customers’ products, with the pilot plant providing the desired flavors that will be replicable in finished products.

“We are privileged to work with some of the most progressive and dynamic companies in our industry and are thrilled to be able to take them to the next level with our pilot plant,” said Ken Malinowski, president of Flavorchem. “Our pilot plant was designed with flexibility, scalabilit, and will further advance our capabilities to be a valued extension of our customers’ R&D and commercialization processes.”

Flavorchem’s new pilot thermal processing unit makes it possible to simulate HTST, UHT and aseptic conditions with both indirect heating and direct steam injection. Additionally, the company said it is fully expandable to allow for customer specific equipment to be used and additional processing equipment to be added

“It’s been a pleasure to oversee the development and utilization of our brand new pilot plant facility,” said Blake Wester, innovation and technology manager at Flavorchem. “Our specialized equipment allows us to explore cutting-edge flavor technology to test flavors, extracts and ingredients in different finished applications and provides our customers the opportunity to test their products on a pilot scale before they scale up into production.”