Europe's biggest sugar beet processing unit is at Wissington in Norfolk. The factory operates 24 hours a day. Since 1994, BSO has developed new businesses for the group in Eastern Europe, China and South East Asia and currently has joint venture companies in Poland, China and Indonesia producing sugar, dextrose, fructose and glucose. The centre was originally opened in 1967, was enlarged in 1989, and a fully equipped food centre was built and opened in 1997. As a member of the Norwich Research Park, BSTC is part of one of Europe's largest centres of excellence in plant and food science.
Studies range through all aspects of the processing of sugar beet.
T he skill range of the staff at BSTC includes chemistry, biochemistry, food science, food technology, sensory science, enzymology and chemical engineering. BSTC has facilities for bench and pilot plant studies, as well as small-scale production. The work that BSTC carries out in association with numerous universities and other centres throughout the world is important to the company, ensuring it is up to date in new developments. BSTC is always interested in new collaborations. Through business diversification, British Sugar is determined to grow.