Dairy company Synlait is planning to build a new research and development centre in Palmerston North, New Zealand, to further enhance its capabilities in food technology.

For this project, Synlait will be partnering with Massey University and FoodPILOT.

FoodPILOT is reported to be one of the largest producers of pilot-scale food processing equipment in the southern hemisphere.

Synlait managing director and CEO John Penno said: “Our goal is to become more profitable and diversified. Investing in our own research and development centre is an opportunity to explore new and unique ways to make the most from milk.

“We will be developing intellectual property across our value chain, which aims to maximise value at every step, beginning behind the farm gate all the way through to providing market access for our customers.”

“We will have access to some of the best scientific, technical and commercial minds and equipment in this field."

Synlait’s new research and development centre will focus on new product development, process technology and packaging.

Penno further explained that the company intends to further enhance its research capabilities to develop and introduce new product categories in markets in the future.

Synlait Innovation and Technical Services general manager Roger Schwarzenbach said: “We will have access to some of the best scientific, technical and commercial minds and equipment in this field.”

“It’s the perfect environment for our new team to explore options for diversifying our business, both at a product and process level.”

Initially, Synlait intends to hire food technologists and engineers for its Palmerston North centre.