Purdue University Pilot Plant

What We Do

We provide the facilities and expertise to further food manufacturing research endeavors. Our functional, flexible environment is equipped for exploring traditional, innovative and emerging food processing technologies. Users receive an experience tailored to the unique needs of their project, leveraging processes and equipment that provide valuable data for full-scale manufacturing. 

Virtual pilot plant tour  pilot plant equipment

Contact Us

Kelsey Budreau
Pilot Plant Manager
cumminsk@purdue.edu
745 Agriculture Mall Drive
West Lafayette, IN 47907

work with us

Pilot Labora​tory

Our goal is to advance application of food manufacturing technologies through scalable trials and hands-on training to enhance the future of food production. Operating as a model manufacturing area, our 9,000 square foot pilot plant allows manufacturers to see how a process works before committing to full production. Wet chemistry, microbiology, and food product development laboratories are also available to solve related challenges. 

what we offer

Our team specializes in providing manufacturing support in the following areas. If you have needs outside of these areas, contact our team to learn more about our additional capabilities.

  • Aseptic and thermal processing and packagingaseptic.jpg
  • Low-moisture food
  • Plant-based protein
  • Fermentation 

Utilities Available:

  • High Pressure Steam
  • Water- RO and Potable
  • Chilled Water
  • Compressed Air
  • Vacuum
  • Electric
  • Dry, Refrigerated, and Frozen Storage

See our full list of equipment 

Additional Services

The goal of FEMI is to fuel economic growth by enabling food and beverage companies to ideate, develop, and commercialize novel improved and sustainable products. Businesses may work with FEMI before scaling up in the pilot plant. Visit the FEMI webpage to learn more.

The Pilot Plant hosts several annual workshops that cover topics including aseptic processing, validation, and better process control school. Visit the Extension and Outreach webpage to learn more.

Meet the Team

Dharmendra Mishra

Dr. Dharmendra Mishra

Food Science
Principal Investigator
Kelsey Budreau

Kelsey Budreau

Food Science
Pilot Plant Manager
Ben Paxson

Ben Paxson

Food Science
Academic IT Specialist

Interested in working together?

Contact the Pilot Plant Team