Puratos Group recently reconfirmed its commitment to continue its investments in innovation and long-term research and development with the construction of new global research and development center at its headquarters in Groot-Bijgaarden, Belgium. On hand for the official “first stone” ceremony were Eddy Van Belle, chairman of board of Puratos Group (left); Daniel Malcorps, CEO of Puratos Group (right); local officials; trade organizations; and research partners.

Scheduled to open by summer 2014, the R&D center will play a pivotal role in Puratos’ global network of innovation and research centers across the world. “R&D is the driving force behind our partnership with our customers around the globe,” says Filip Arnaut, R&D director group research and services lab. “It is how Puratos’ long-term vision is translated into products and solutions to help our customers innovate and differentiate more in the future.”

With three state-of-the-art research platforms–a food technology laboratory, a baked products laboratory and a biotechnology and analytical laboratory–covering some 6000 sq. meters, the new facility will become a global hub for collaboration and research. It will be open to Puratos’ global R&D team, as well as to research partners, including some leading universities.

In addition, Puratos Group will open a regional R&D center in Guangzhou, China, this year and a major R&D center in the United States next year. “It is our firm belief that continued investment in the future is the best way to overcome today’s harsh economic climate,” says Malcorps. “By doing so, we can continue to innovate and to improve the products and services we offer our customers, as well as inspire our customers. Ultimately, we want to help our customers to become even more successful in their business. With this new center, we confirm this commitment to our customers around the world.”