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

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Pilot Laboratory

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 packaging
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.