Cargill has invested in a new extrusion pilot plant at its Vilvoorde Innovation Center in Mechelen, Belgium, as part of a EUR56 million (US$64.7 million) investment to enhance the company’s operational and research and innovation capabilities.
The new EUR5.4 million extrusion pilot plant supports rapid prototyping, ingredient functionality testing and customer collaboration across food, feed and pet food applications, and builds on the previously announced EUR45 million investment in Cargill’s food innovation center in Vilvoorde.
“Belgium is a key strategic hub for Cargill in Europe, thanks to its strong food industry, close customer connectivity, and advanced logistics infrastructure that enable efficient supply across Western Europe,” said Geert Maesmans, vice president of R&D for Cargill’s food business in EMEA and Cargill’s Belgium country lead. “These investments not only strengthen our local food R&D and production capabilities but allow us to continue to grow with our customers and provide them with more diverse and innovative food solutions across Belgium and the EMEA region.”
The recent investments add to Cargill’s broader footprint in Belgium, where the company has operated since 1953 and employs more than 1,500 people across nine locations spanning production, R&D and regional coordination functions.
