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Heinz to Open 'IQ Center'

PITTSBURGH - H.J. Heinz Co. will open an international research and technical facility in mid-2005 that will be home to the food maker's research and development operations and its quality assurance laboratories.

The Heinz Food Innovation and Quality Center, or "Heinz Food IQ Center," will be located just north of Pittsburgh, on the Marconi Communications campus in Marshall Township, and will include the company's International Center of Excellence for Ketchup, Condiments and Sauces. It also will focus on a broad range of products, including frozen foods and soups.

"The Heinz Food IQ Center will bring to the Pittsburgh region a truly unique global resource," noted William R. Johnson, Heinz chairman, president, and c.e.o. "This 100,000-square-foot facility will become our international center for food and nutrition research, hosting some of the world's leading experts in nutrition, cuisine, quality assurance, and product and packaging design."

More than 100 of Heinz's chefs, food technologists, researchers, and package designers will work at the center to develop great-tasting new formulations for Heinz products sold in supermarkets and restaurants. Additionally, they will provide assistance and advice to Heinz research and development teams located in major consumer markets around the globe.

The center also will house quality assurance staff members, including microbiologists and food safety experts, all working with state-of-the-art equipment and systems. They will conduct sensory analysis and organoleptic reviews to evaluate the flavor, aroma, and texture of Heinz products. The center will contain a new, advanced "pilot shop," which is a streamlined production facility used for testing small batches and developing new recipes, packages, and processes.

Heinz's research and development center has been located in the former Heinz complex on the city's North Side. Recently Heinz signed a long-term lease for the space on the Marconi campus for its Heinz Food IQ Center.

The Marshall Township site will be retrofitted to accommodate laboratories, kitchens, offices, and conference space.
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