Poultry Testing Facility to Open New Lab in Springdale
by February 1, 2016 12:00 am 132 views
Whitbeck Labs will soon start construction on a new, 7,500-SF research and testing facility in Springdale Technology Park, at the southeast corner of Huntsville Avenue and Kawneer Drive.
The Springdale-based, full-service independent commercial laboratory specializes in the poultry industry, and has been in business since 1978.
Whitbeck Labs works closely with food industry research and development companies, providing facilities and testing for product innovations and global consulting services, according to a press release announcing a groundbreaking ceremony for the project.
The new facility will almost double the amount of lab space currently available to the company, which has added six new employee positions since 2014, bringing the staff count up to 19, according to the press release.
“We are excited to be able to move toward this next phase in our business,” said John Carson, head of business development and information systems. “This new facility will help us to be able to grow alongside demand and allow us to continue offering the fastest turn-around times on our testing. With turn-around time being a common struggle for poultry and food production, we strive to help our customers meet their deadlines and keep product moving.”
The new facility will also allow Whitbeck to start host training seminars required by the National Poultry Improvement Program, according to the press release.
The project will be handled by C.R. Crawford Construction in Fayetteville. The cost of the project is undisclosed.
Whitbeck Labs founder Gordon Whitbeck and his wife, Bonnie, purchased the 1.8-acre property last April for $39,999.
The facility is planned for completion in July.
Springdale Technology Park is a 34-acre development that provides an affordable solution for tech-based, knowledge-driven companies, according to the Springdale Chamber of Commerce website.
Fellow Springdale companies NanoMech and Tyson Foods Inc. also have a presence at the tech park, owning 8.8 acres and 10.7 acres, respectively. The rest of the tech park has not yet been developed, said Bill Rogers, vice president for communications and special projects at the chamber.