AIB, KSU Explore Partnership of Shared Grain-Based Foods Center

Manhattan, KS — A proposed $60 million partnership between AIB International and Kansas State University could harness the technical and educational expertise of both entities and provide state-of-the-art facilities for research, training, and educational activities.

The Global Center for Grain-based Foods would co-locate AIB International and the university’s Department of Grain Science and Industry which would allow for resource sharing and position AIB to offer cutting-edge research, consulting, and education products to its clients.

 “We are looking at our shared expertise to help enable the grain-based food industry, both from a learning/technical application, and from a food safety perspective,” said Andre Biane, President and CEO of AIB International. “AIB and the university have already partnered closely for 40 years. Expanding this collaboration to include outstanding, shared facilities would advance the abilities of both entities to serve the grain-based foods industry.”

The proposed Global Center for Grain-Based Foods will be a global destination and knowledge center that:

• Leverages the strengths of AIB International and the university’s Department of Grain Science and Industry to create a stronger, unified approach to supporting food safety and baking/grain science industry innovation.

• Creates a unified joint-use center where shared facilities and equipment will support expanded opportunities for collaboration, teaching, training, and research and where strong industry partnerships stimulate innovation.

• Further establishes AIB and the university as international resources for leadership and innovation with essential Global Food Systems components.

• Develops the next generation of research and development, food safety, operations, and quality assurance professionals for the grain-based food industry.