Nellson LLC, Anaheim, Calif., announced the opening of its Launch Pad Innovation Center. The facility, which is located in Salt Lake City, is designed to inspire innovation and support the development and rapid commercialization of new functional powder products and nutrition systems, Nellson said.

“Our blueprint for Launch Pad was inspired by our vision to be the leading contract manufacturer and strategic partner within the fast-growing nutritional bar and functional powders sectors,” said Bart Child, senior vice president, commercial development at Nellson. “Launch Pad allows customer partners to work side-by-side with our research and development experts in a state-of-the-art customer collaboration workspace that includes all of the capabilities and technologies needed to replicate the manufacturing process.”

Nellson said highlights of its new facility include a customer collaboration workspace, consumer tasting booths, in-lab consumer test/scale-up line and a custom formulation system that ensures product quality and efficacy from development through shelf life. The center is staffed with over 40 food scientists, technicians and support staff, who provide formulation and development expertise.

Nellson said it made additional investments in new process technology at the Salt Lake City facility to maximize throughput, reduce cost and provide customers differentiation with a wide range of packaging options.

“Our new lab space is designed to efficiently facilitate the development process from initiation through commercialization,” said Steve Curtis, research and development manager for Nellson’s powder division. “Launch Pad allows us to fully support our customers through every step of the development process, from customized benchtop samples, to finished product spec development and manufacturing scale-up.”