PAST EVENTS
October 21, 2008 Industrial Focus Luncheon
The Food Processing Industry
On October 21, 2008 DeKalb County Economic
Development Corporation hosted its annual Industrial Focus Luncheon
at the DeKalb County Farm Bureau. The audience of 125 heard presentations
from two local food processing company representatives, Tom George
of Tate & Lyle Custom Ingredients and Tim Suter from The Suter
Company.
Tom George, President of Tate & Lyle Custom Ingredients, highlighted
the history of Tate & Lyle and then gave a brief overview
of what the company does within the food processing industry.
The Sycamore Tate & Lyle location was originally Continental
Colloids and Continental Custom Ingredients before Tate &
Lyle acquired them in 2006. George went on to say that most Tate
& Lyle products won't be seen in stores because they really
"sell innovation" rather than the food products themselves.
Some of the products offered help to improve the functionality
of the food as well as reducing the overall cost of the product.
Examples of these products include stabilizers for frozen desserts
and beverages and ingredient systems that help extend product
shelf life.
Tim Suter, President of The Suter Company, provided a historical
overview of his company along with some economic impacts and a
number of changes that have occurred within the company recently.
Established in 1925 as a poultry and egg farm selling products
locally, the Suter Company soon began canning and in recent years
began producing shelf stable salads and lunch kits. The Suter
Company employs 245 employees and over the past ten years has
experienced significant of growth. This growth has led to increased
sales, hiring of additional employees as well as increases in
square footage of the company facilities.
Presentations are available in the Members Only
section of the website.
Suter Company Representatives with their
display table
|
Paul Borek with presenters Tom George
and Tim Suter
|
Participants networking after the presentation |
Participant enjoying the complimentary
samples |
