ADM has opened its new North America microbiology laboratory at the ADM Specialty Manufacturing Facility in Decatur, Illinois.
The new facility doubles ADM's current microbiology laboratory footprint and reflects a significant expansion of its testing capabilities, as well as its footprint in the Decatur community.
"The expansion of ADM's Specialty Manufacturing Facility demonstrates our commitment to growing our in-house testing capabilities and also our continued investment in the Decatur community," said Veronica Braker, senior vice president, Global Operations at ADM.
"This new facility will drive productivity and collaboration, accelerate innovation and bring even more high-level science and research employment opportunities to Decatur."
Lab tests finished product before release to market
ADM's Microbiology Laboratory is responsible for testing finished product from North America for lot release to the market.
The lab initially started in the late 1960s, and has expanded five times through the years, with 2006 being the latest expansion next to ADM's Decatur East plant.
The new facility will provide testing services to more than 26 ADM manufacturing facilities located throughout North America.
It features state-of-the-art technology providing access to the latest lab and testing innovation as well as the ability to process an exponentially higher volume of tests.
The new lab will also allow the company to conduct advanced testing in-house such as kill-step validations for processing plants, including automation applications.
In addition, the laboratory will become ISO 17025 accredited for the top five quality testing methods in early 2023 and will continue to expand its certification for other methods.
A laboratory information management system will also be implemented at the new location in late 2023, allowing faster reporting to ADM clients.
"We are very excited for this expansion because it enables greater innovation to unlock the power of nature in order to enrich the quality of life," said Lee Perry, vice president, Quality and Food Safety at ADM.
"The development of this state-of-the-art laboratory directly aligns with our mission and vision to strive for operational excellence, partner with operations to provide testing solutions and drive analytical performance."
