Sara Lee Opens R&D Center

It seems that the recession hasn't really hit Sara Lee. Instead of scaling back their budget, the company is creating a fun zone for research and development. Located in Downer's Grove, IL the new center will have a plethora of offerings for the creative researcher and the staunch market researcher.

According to CSP, the research and development center has the following:

Packaging Labs with rapid prototyping capabilities can shape plastic and paper prototypes in minutes and test packaging before suppliers begin production.

Meat Labs offer bench-top product formulation capabilities, and also simulate Sara Lee plant processes to test product components and packaging prototypes before they enter full-scale production.

The Bakery Pilot Plant allows a better understanding of how formulas will translate to commercial-size facilities, and offers new process testing and bench-top product formulation.

Foodservice Kitchens feature plug-and-play equipment that can be custom-arranged to replicate a quick-service restaurant or a foodservice operation.

Sensory & Product Performance Labs assist with turning consumer insights into desired product attributes and scalable design that increases value to customers.

According to CSP, Because of the new facilities' flexibility and customizable resources, Sara Lee North American businesses are better positioned to further improve the innovation process, it said.

Along with improving innovation, Sara Lee will likely make changes in their packaging design. With the recession, we've seen grocery products revisit and redesign their standard labels to attract budget-minded customers. It will be interesting to see with Sara Lee does next.