College Station, TX – Texas A&M University has officially selected Skanska, a global construction and development firm, to construct its new Meat Science and Technology Center, a state-of-the-art, 75,000-square-foot facility designed to advance research in food safety, meat science, and nutritional quality.

Skanska announced that it has signed a $91 million contract for the project, which will provide Texas A&M AgriLife, a research and educational agency within the Texas A&M University System, with modern processing capabilities and enhanced educational resources.

‍A Cutting-Edge Facility for Advancing Meat Science Research

The new Meat Science and Technology Center is set to become a premier hub for research and innovation, incorporating advanced laboratories, classrooms, and training spaces to support Texas A&M's agricultural science programs.

According to Skanska, the facility will include:

✅ An auditorium for industry events and lectures
✅ High-tech laboratories for advanced research in food safety, meat processing, and nutritional science
✅ Training classrooms and seminar spaces for hands-on learning experiences
✅ Faculty and graduate student offices to support ongoing research efforts

This multi-functional center is expected to enhance educational programs while also benefiting the broader food and agriculture industries.

Project Timeline and Impact

Skanska has confirmed that construction will begin in December 2024, with completion expected by January 2028. The project will be a significant addition to Texas A&M’s College Station campus, further cementing its leadership in agricultural and food sciences.

The facility will not only serve students and faculty but also offer collaboration opportunities for industry professionals, researchers, and food safety experts.

Texas A&M's commitment to food science innovation aligns with growing industry demands for safer, more efficient, and sustainable meat processing technologies. The new facility will help bridge the gap between academic research and real-world application, benefiting food producers, processors, and regulatory agencies.

Skanska’s Role in Large-Scale Educational Projects

Skanska is known for its expertise in large-scale educational and research facility construction. The company has previously worked on numerous university projects, including advanced research centers and medical buildings.

With this new project, Skanska aims to deliver a cutting-edge facility that meets the evolving needs of the food and agricultural industries.

"We hope that any folks that might be interested in working with us will come out and check us out," said Chris Kelley, President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon. "Any vendors or suppliers that are interested, they can come out to the same event."

Looking Ahead: What This Means for Students and Industry Professionals

The Meat Science and Technology Center will provide students with valuable hands-on learning experiences in a real-world setting, making Texas A&M an even more attractive choice for agricultural science majors and food industry professionals looking to expand their expertise.

Additionally, industry collaborations could lead to groundbreaking advancements in food safety, sustainability, and meat production technology, with research outcomes benefiting both academia and commercial food sectors.

A Major Milestone for Texas A&M and the Future of Food Science

With construction set to begin soon, Texas A&M’s new Meat Science and Technology Center represents a major step forward in agricultural research and education. As the project unfolds, it will serve as a key resource for students, faculty, and food industry professionals, reinforcing Texas A&M’s position as a leader in meat science and food technology research.

Originally reported by Jackie Mitchell in Quality Assurance & Food safety.