Cargill invests $6.2M in new extrusion pilot plant in Belgium

Cargill is expanding its Vilvoorde Innovation Center in Belgium by adding a new extrusion pilot plant, a move that represents a €5.4 million ($6.2 million) investment. This initiative is part of a larger €56 million ($64.8 million) commitment by the company to enhance its operational and research and innovation capabilities across its Belgian sites.

The Vilvoorde Innovation Center plays a crucial role in supporting rapid prototyping, testing ingredient functionality, and fostering customer collaboration across the food, feed, and pet food sectors. This expansion builds upon a previous €45 million ($52.1 million) investment in Cargill's food innovation center in Vilvoorde, collectively bolstering the company's European R&D network.

Geert Maesmans, vice president of R&D for Cargill's Food business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), and Cargill's Belgium country lead, highlighted Belgium's strategic importance. He cited the country's robust food industry, strong customer connections, and advanced logistics infrastructure as key advantages. Maesmans stated that these investments will not only improve local R&D and production capacities but also enable Cargill to grow with its customers and offer more diverse and innovative food solutions throughout Belgium and the EMEA region.

Cargill has maintained a presence in Belgium since 1953, currently employing more than 1,500 individuals across nine locations that encompass production, R&D, and regional coordination.