Food Manufacturing Technologies Department

The Food Manufacturing Technologies Department was formed at the end of 2003 from two separate groups, one focusing on food process engineering and product packaging technologies, the other on HACCP and quality systems. The Department is currently staffed by a team of experienced engineers and technologists undertaking a mix of long term research and short term contract and consultancy projects on behalf of the food related industries.

The work of the Department is firmly rooted in the application of sound science and engineering principles to the solution of food industry problems.

Activities in the Department are split approximately 50:50 in terms of long term research work and shorter term contract consultancy activities. Most of the work is UK based but there is a growing need and opportunity in other parts of Europe and beyond. The Department works closely with the CCFRA membership base with all staff having extensive opportunities to interface with the members on a one to one basis or through technical meetings or correspondence.

The facilities within the Department are ever improving with a recently refurbished processing hall/pilot plant and a new packaging laboratory. The Department is expanding in terms of size and turnover, a trend that has been ongoing now for a number of years.

The Department is well equipped in terms of pilot plant laboratory facilities with a wide range of equipment for conventional raw material processing, thermal processing, packaging, chilling and freezing. The Department also has an ongoing commitment to implement innovative and new technologies through the acquisition of high pressure processing and power ultrasound technologies, microwave pasteurisation and UHT systems.

Opportunities exist for candidates with an interest in food manufacturing and the application of science to the development of new products and processes. CCFRA is committed to providing the necessary training to enable successful candidates to develop themselves and their role with the organisation.