Wixon, a manufacturer of seasonings, flavors, and technologies for the food and beverage industry, announced that it has made a five-year commitment to donate $250,000 to the construction of the new University of Wisconsin-Madison Meat Science Laboratory.

Ground was recently broken on the 67,540-square-foot building, with occupancy expected in spring 2018. To be built at 1930 Linden Dr. in Madison, the current meat laboratory, built in 1931 with additions in the 1950s and 1970s, did not have the space or facilities to meet current industry and research demands.

According to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Meat Science Laboratory website, the mission of the new facility is four-fold:

• Train the next generation of meat industry leaders with cutting edge insightfulness and technologies;
• Support innovative research interests through interdisciplinary collaborative efforts;
• Provide outreach education to foster the production of wholesome meat products for the consuming public and;
• Economic development of the meat industry.

A lecture/demonstration suite, a biosafety lab suite, teaching and research offices, and an expanded retail space will be included in the building. The retail shop will be in the entry atrium of the new building and will be open daily, providing the public an opportunity to buy meat and poultry products, plus learn about meat.

“We are very excited to play a role in championing pioneering research, providing outreach instruction, supporting the economic development of the meat industry, and educating future meat industry leaders,” Wixon President Peter Gottsacker. “As a provider of spices and seasonings to the meat industry for more than 100 years, Wixon and all of its employees are proud to join other companies and individuals in helping to keep UW-Madison at the forefront of meat science, which will provide benefits now and for generations to come.”

For more than 100 years, Wixon has been a trusted provider of flavors, seasonings, and technologies for food and beverage manufacturers. With its scientific and culinary capabilities combined with a passion for service, Wixon drives innovation and solutions for its customers. Wixon focuses on its core areas of expertise: Industrial Ingredients, including Foodservice; Consumer Products; and Protein. Customers are encouraged to tap into a portfolio of services, including R&D, custom formulation development, turnkey solutions, and menu ideation. Wixon ingredients are globally-sourced and go beyond FDA standards to ensure quality and cleanliness. The company also offers a complete line of nutrition products for the growing demand of "Good for You" products. Located in St. Francis, Wis., a suburb of Milwaukee, Wixon is GFSI Certified to FSSC 22000, ISO9001 Certified, and QAI Organic Certified. More information on Wixon or any of its products may be obtained at www.wixon.com or by calling 414-769-3000.