Merieux NutriSciences is in the beginning stages of relocating its food testing facility from southwest Gainesville, FL to a facility near the University of Florida campus. Expected to open in April 2017, the 22,700 square foot building will be a hub for future growth for the labs’ several restaurant and nutrition-based services and clients.

The goal of the Gainesville area lab is to serve as a nutritional testing center of excellence. It is designed to provide microbiology and nutritional chemistry testing, food safety and quality research services to restaurant chains, foodservice providers, and food manufacturers located primarily in the southeastern United States.

The company is retaining 70 jobs in the Greater Gainesville area and has plans to add 30 new jobs over the next 2 years.