FACILITIES AND CAPABILITIES   

Revitalization of the MSU Dairy Food Complex

The Dairy Food Complex has been fully renovated through special support by the State of Michigan.  The Animal Agriculture Initiative (AAI) revitalization project includes modernization of all mechanical, electrical, lighting, and communications systems within-the building; window and exterior door replacement, life safety modifications; building changes to create handicapper accommodations; and modernization of all research and teaching space. The newly renovated Dairy Food Complex (South Anthony Hall) houses the Dairy Chemistry, Dairy Microbiology, and Dairy/Food Rheology, research laboratories as well as the new Food Chemistry teaching laboratory The total AAI investment in equipment and renovation of approximately 14,000 square feet of assignable space was approximately $5 million.  

Dairy Processing Plant

The Dairy Plant is equipped to process a variety of natural cheeses, cultured dairy products, and ice cream in a state-of-the-art processing system.  Products are offered for sale to the public and to other MSU food service outlets through the new Dairy Store.  Cheese is also sold via mail order.  The maintenance of a small commercial scale processing facility along with the pilot scale facilities provides an environment that is effectively used as a research, extension, and teaching tool.  Experience at MSU has indicated that a processing facility operating and staffed intermittently will not be used as effectively as a consistently active facility.  The investment in equipment of $1.8 million has resulted in state-of-the-art processing plant.