USA – Crown, a global supplier of oilseed extraction technology has opened its new global headquarters and innovation center in Minnesota, US.
Built at a cost of US$12 million, the 68,000 square foot facility features an innovation center to support and optimize custom process solutions and customer trainings.
The15,000-square-foot innovation centre will serve as a world-class resource to leading global manufacturers within the oil seed processing industry.
The new headquarter also accommodates a 37% increase in global headquarters staff, and fuel technological advancements for the company and its customers.
The center includes a fully functional instrumented pilot plant with a computerized control room for process monitoring and data collection of all plant areas, including preparation, extraction, refining, biodiesel, renewable diesel and oleochemical processing.
“Our pilot plant enables customers to simulate plant operations, trials, toll processing, new technologies and product testing in a confidential and controlled environment that saves them time, money and headaches,” said Bill Antilla, general manager, Crown Global Companies.
“Customers can also empower employees with comprehensive training to improve process knowledge, maintenance expertise and plant safety.”
The innovation center also features multiple training locations, including large and small classrooms, a hands-on equipment training area and pilot plant’s boiler room that offers real-world steam and condensation training.
The motor control center where safety demonstrations and technical training promote safe energy usage and handling, is also an innovative feature that the company has integrated in the facility.
“Our goal is to be the ‘first-call’ for oilseed industry leaders in need of a technology partner committed to discovering innovative approaches to reducing energy and water usage, improving yields, and reducing capital and operating costs,” said Mike Hoerle, Crown’s vice-president of global engineering.
The Innovation Center also features a Skunk Works research and development Workshop where Crown’s R&D team develops disruptive solutions to drive industry advancements.
“Our global headquarters and innovation center fully leverages Crown’s industry-leading technology and talented global team to further expand Crown’s role as a trusted advisor and problem-solving partner to our customers,” Antilla said.
