French dairy giant Danone has unveiled plans to open a new research and development centre in the Netherlands to specialise in baby and medical nutrition.
The centre, which will be located in Utrecht, will integrate Danone’s Dutch-based R&D activities and is scheduled to open in 2012. Currently, the company operates four Dutch R&D centres in Wageningen, Zoetermeer, Cuijk and Schiphol.
Announcing the investment, Danone said the move would allow it to focus on innovation in specialised nutrition.
“The planned Danone innovation centre in Utrecht will create excellent opportunities for the growth of our business and employees”, Danone head of R&D Sven Thormahlen said.
“We want to build a new innovation centre for Specialised Nutrition for the 21st century in Utrecht Science Park. This is a reflection of the quality of the current teams and our desire to attract international talent. The Utrecht location is close to our baby and medical business in Amsterdam and gives us the possibility to strengthen this relationship.”
