D.D. Williamson answers color question; Tate & Lyle study prebiotic fiber

Akro-Mils introduced its new website, which now features a new design, improved functionality and a variety of online tools and materials. A new site navigation structure makes it easy for users to quickly locate Akro-Mils products and services, and improved search functions such as a Product Finder tool that can be accessed directly from the home page. The newly designed site is also home to a Distributor Locator, which is designed to help end users find their local Akro-Mils distributors, a new Image and Literature Library that features high-resolution JPEG product images, logos and product literature PDF files and access to the company’s Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube sites. Plus, all product pages have Quick Links to catalog pages, sell sheets, assembly instructions and other materials.

Verallia North America, a producer of glass containers for the food and beverage industries, launched a new website featuring a modern design, simplified navigation and a complete, interactive product catalog. For the first time, users can also see renderings of the final product to assist in the decision-making process. Other new features include information about the design and sustainability of Verallia containers, the glass manufacturing process and educational programs. Additionally, the virtual newsroom now includes product photographs.

D.D. Williamson posted a new video “Why are colors added to foods?” in its online “Expert Answers” series. David Schmidt, president and CEO of the International Food Information Council Foundation, discusses the need for enhancing color in food. He points out that color is added for many important reasons. See the full interview online.

Fuji Health Science announced its successful New Dietary Ingredient Notification (NDIN) at 12 milligrams per day for AstaREAL astaxanthin. On Feb. 13, Fuji received its no-objection letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The purpose of the new NDIN was to support the dietary supplement industry’s widening range of potential astaxanthin users.

Food and beverage manufacturers can pack the nutritional benefits of a prebiotic fiber in meal replacement beverages and fruit juices, according to a new study from Tate & Lyle. The study, conducted in 2011 by third-party research firm Illuminas, found that despite the nearly 90% of Americans who believe digestive health is a top health priority, half believe they need more fiber in their diets. To ensure they get dietary fiber in their diets, these same consumers are interested in buying products with added fiber. Meanwhile, Tate & Lyle designed a new website, www.promitorfiber.com, which features the latest fiber news, consumer insights, applications and case studies involving the company’s Promitor Dietary Fiber.

Atlas Copco Compressors released a new video that demonstrates how the Atlas Copco AIRnet aluminum lightweight compressed air piping system can be installed approximately 66% faster than an iron-compressed air piping system. The video shows Patrick, an independent contractor, taking the AIRnet Challenge — a basic compressed air piping installation done two ways — first with AIRnet piping and then with iron piping. The two processes are recorded and timed. See the video, “AIRnet Challenge,” online.

INTERNATIONALLY KNOWN
Kalsec Inc., producer of spice and herb extracts, natural colors and antioxidants for the food and beverage industries, appointed Orkila as the exclusive distributor to the Middle East and North African markets for its full line of natural ingredients. Orkila was founded in July 2005, as the result of a management buyout concluded by the former management team of Rhodia’s (formerly Rhône-Poulenc) International Affairs Division, inheriting more than 100 hundred years of experience in the food ingredients industry.

GEA Process Engineering received a EUR 33 million dollar order from Tasmanian Dairy Products Co Ltd in Tasmania, Australia. Within the next seven months, Tasmanian will start the production of dried milk products in a new facility that’s designed to produce more than 6,000 kilos of milk powder per hour. GEA Process Engineering will supply the equipment for the milk powder factory.

ON THE MOVE: PERSONNEL CHANGES
LMI Packaging Solutions Inc., Pleasant Prairie, Wis.
Ron Wesel has been named president, responsible for all day-to-day business operations. Prior to the promotion, he was vice president and general manager.Rich Woodrich joined the company as vice president of operations, responsible for leading the manufacturing, purchasing, safety and quality groups. Shannon Berkman joins as human resources associate, responsible for training, development and employee career enhancement. Randall Troutman was promoted to vice president of technology and business development, responsible for leading all commercial development activities, including product development, sales and marketing. Vince Incandela was promoted to vice president of employee and community engagement, responsible for all social awareness and community programs. He will also manage human resources and employee development. Joe Kumpfer will take on an expanded role as vice president of finance, responsible for overall business strategy.

Exopack, Spartanburg, S.C.
Miles McHugh was named chief financial officer, replacing Dave Ziegler, who assumed the responsibilities of interim chief financial officer in November 2011. McHugh previously served as executive vice president and CFO for R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co. He has also held financial positions in Mirant Corp., California Energy Co., Westpac Banking Corp. and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Food Safety Net Services, San Antonio, Texas
Jane Binzak is vice president of human resources, bringing more than 12 years of senior human resources leadership experience combined with more than 19 years of legal experience. Before joining FSNS, she held similar senior leadership positions in the foodservice industry with Steak ‘n Shake and Buffets, Inc., managing more than 20,000 employees.

Dynamic Conveyor Corp., Muskegon, Mich. 
Tom Habetler was promoted to sales engineer, responsible for educating the food industry about DynaClean, the company’s new line of reconfigurable conveyor systems.

Spartan Motors, Inc., Charlotte, Mich. 
Andrew M. Rooke was named to the board of directors. Rooke currently serves as president and COO of Manitex International, Inc., a Bridgeview, Ill., manufacturer of engineered lifting equipment. His professional experience includes GKN Sinter Metals, where he served as chief financial officer, Quaker Oats, Ltd. and Rolls Royce Ltd.