DuPont creates extraordinary possibilities for Food and Beverage Companies

DuPont Food Industry Solutions uses the vast resources at DuPont to assess companies` most complex issues, offer solutions and then guide them confidentially through the implementation process. 29/05/2003 Wilmington, Where do food and beverage manufacturers turn when they don`t have the resources or technology to implement new product ideas? Where do they go for advice about productivity issues, such as capital management or maintenance and reliability? Traditionally, food and beverage manufacturers relied on suppliers, equipment manufacturers and consultants. Today, they have a new partner option: DuPont Food Industry Solutions (DFIS). DFIS is unique because it uses the vast resources at DuPont to assess companies` most complex issues, offer solutions and then guide them confidentially through the implementation process. It combines the expertise of more than 1,000 DuPont technical specialists with the experience of more than two centuries of scientific advances to create new product and process possibilities never before seen in the food industry. DFIS is currently working with seven of the top 10 food companies and provides solutions across all application areas, including bakery, beverage, confectionery, dairy, meat and poultry, packaged foods and more. "There is a lot of frustration about how to create a competitive advantage through product and process innovation," said Nita Seelinger, President of DuPont Food Industry Solutions. "If the same old techniques and approaches aren`t working any more, it`s time to shake it up. That`s where DFIS comes in. With over 200 years of scientific experience, DFIS partners with manufacturers to find the right, cost-effective solution, whether it`s borrowing technology from another industry or customizing equipment just for them. There is really no choice because if you`re not innovating, continually meeting evolving customer needs - and stakeholder expectations - someone else will." DFIS engagements cover everything from capital project management to wastewater management, from maintenance and reliability systems to process control. Resulting productivity enhancements and cost savings reach into the millions of dollars. For instance, DFIS is working with a major food manufacturer to increase the production rate in a plant producing an ingredient critical to flavor quality and used in broad applications across the company`s product line. As part of a corporate streamlining initiative, the goal is to achieve a 50 percent rate increase, leading to consolidation with a sister plant. DFIS identified a two-stage improvement process. The first phase targeted immediate incremental improvement with little equipment modification, while the second incorporates significant step changes with key investment. In the first phase of the project, DFIS achieved a 10+ percent improvement in just a few months by using DuPont process technology and its uniquelab facilities. The second phase of the project is expected to meet the 50 percent increase target. This will allow consolidation of the two plants, saving the food processor a minimum of $6 million a year. Nita Seelinger, president, DFIS, boasts nearly a decade of executive-level experience within DuPont, including director, merger integration, where she led the $7.7 billion acquisition of Pioneer Hi-Bred. Ms. Seelinger has also served as managing director, strategic initiatives for DuPontiTechnologies, project management for divestiture of Conoco and transition manager of the $1.5 billion acquisition of DuPont Protein Technologies. In addition to Ms. Seelinger, DFIS` core management is made up of some of the top food industry experts. Robert Curran, vice president, DFIS, worked with Ms. Seelinger to launch DFIS based on his longing for such a partner over his 25 years of experience in the food and beverage industries. Mr. Curran`s experience covers functional manufacturing expertise in both the United States and Canada, research and development, quality assurance, regulatory affairs and strategic marketing. Mr. Curran has held senior positions at leading food companies, such as H.J. Heinz, RJR Nabisco and American Foodservice Corporation. Vice president H. Russell Cross is a recognized food safety expert. He brings to DFIS over 35 years of experience in the food industry, holding numerous positions in government, academia and the private sector, including administrator of USDA`s Food Safety and Inspection Service under Presidents Bush and Clinton. Mr. Cross also sits on the boards of American Meat Institute, National Meat Association, and the International Livestock Educational Foundation. Business director Dr. Marv Rudolph boasts nearly 35 years of experience in food product development, working on concept and prototype generation through product rollout. Dr. Rudolph has been involved with the development of multiple innovative products, including: carbonated chewing gum; low-fat processed cheese with improved flavor attributes; and, a sugarless chewing gum with longer lasting flavor than the brand`s leading competitor. Headquartered in Wilmington, Del., DuPont Food Industry Solutions is a business partner providing food and beverage, and food ingredients companies with the expertise of more than 1,000 DuPont technical specialists for creating new product and process possibilities never before seen in the industry. DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by solving problems and creating solutions that make people`s lives better, safer and easier. Operating in more than 70 countries, the company offers a wide range of products and services to markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.