Category: Press Room

Nelson-Jameson Foundation Invests in Nation’s Largest Research Dairy—University of Idaho’s Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment

Posted by Nelson-Jameson, Inc.  – Education, Press Room
November 20, 2023

Distributor provides resources to support dairy education and industry growth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Marshfield, WI, – November 20, 2023 | The Nelson-Jameson Foundation announced its role supporting the development of the nation’s largest research dairy, the University of Idaho’s Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment (CAFE) through a $50,000 contribution. Idaho CAFE is being created to support the growth of local Idaho agriculture and the national dairy industry. Future research at the site will develop creative solutions to advance the sustainability of dairy, food processing, livestock, and crop protection.

“We are so pleased to be part of the important work that CAFE is doing to support local agricultural practices and lead the dairy industry into the future. Food systems are facing myriad challenges, and the CAFE Project is solving these challenges with forward-thinking, innovative approaches to food and dairy production and distribution,” says Mat Bartkowiak, Vice President of Corporate Responsibility & Development at Nelson-Jameson.

University of Idaho Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment (CAFE) construction site
(Courtesy of Nelson-Jameson): Nelson-Jameson Foundation is supporting the development of America’s largest research dairy at the University of Idaho’s Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment (CAFE). On site, the milking parlor is being built.

CAFE brings together a cross-section of multidisciplinary scientists to study the animal and plant agriculture using a systems approach. Construction for phase one, at $22.5 million, is currently underway. When completed, the facility will be at the cutting edge for the industry and scheduled to be operational by late 2024. Researchers will examine the viability of dairy production in light of evolving economic conditions, cultural preferences, and environmental pressures and also study potential revenue diversification for dairy farmers. Operating as a demonstration dairy farm, it will have the capacity to house 2,000 cows when fully completed – a scale representative of dairying in the West.

“The beauty of Idaho CAFE is the linkages between the research dairy, agricultural production and our partners in industry,” said Michael P. Parrella, Dean of the University of Idaho’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. “Nelson-Jameson’s commitment to the project underlines industry’s need for sustainability research that will ensure the health and productivity of the industry for generations. We could not accomplish this effort without the support of generous partners like Nelson-Jameson.”

In keeping with the University of Idaho’s mission of research-driven innovation, students at the University of Idaho will have access to educational opportunities and research programs in connection with CAFE.

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Nelson-Jameson Named an Alfa Laval Authorized Service Provider

Posted by Nelson-Jameson, Inc.  – General, Press Room
November 7, 2023

The designation builds on a longstanding relationship between the two companies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MARSHFIELD, WI – Nov 7, 2023 | Nelson-Jameson, a leading food processing distributor, announced its designations as an Alfa Laval Master Distributor and an Alfa Laval Authorized Service Provider. Alfa Laval, an international developer and manufacturer of heat transfer, separation, and fluid handling products and support services, made the designation appointments. Nelson-Jameson will continue to provide Alfa Laval equipment, genuine OEM spare parts, and service to food processing facilities as part of its commitment to offering the most extensive, high quality, and efficiency-focused products to its customers. 

“Alfa Laval’s reputation in the industry is built on impeccable quality and service, and we’re honored to be both an Alfa Laval Master Distributor and now an Alfa Laval Authorized Service Provider,” says Devon Vogel, Vice President of Customer Solutions at Nelson-Jameson. “The company is a tremendously valuable strategic partner to Nelson-Jameson and to our dairy and food processing customers.” 

Alfa Laval Master Distributor Retreat 2023

Nelson-Jameson’s President Mike Rindy, VP of Customer Solutions Devon Vogel, and Service & Repair Department Manager Curtis Hardy attend the Alfa Laval Master Distributor Meeting.

Alfal Laval was founded in 1883, originally as the AB Separator company and has been a leading  process technology innovator ever since. While Nelson-Jameson’s Authorized Service Provider designation from Alfa Laval is new, the two organizations have been longtime collaborators in servicing the dairy industry.  Nelson-Jameson distributes Alfa Laval’s food processing-related products, including heat exchangers, pumps, and valves. In addition to distribution, Nelson-Jameson is also recognized for its ability to service, maintain, and provide training on these same products. 

“We are delighted to include Nelson-Jameson in our roster of Master Distributors and Authorized Service Providers,” says Zino Lappas, US Sanitary Food & Pharma Manager at Alfa Laval. “Not only does it take our longstanding business relationship to a new level, but it’s always a pleasure to work with an organization that shares our same dedication to the success of our employees, customers, and communities.”

More information on the company can be found at https://nelsonjameson.com.

Nelson-Jameson Expands Training Capabilities with Launch of Expanded Facility

Posted by Nelson-Jameson, Inc.  – General, Press Room
November 1, 2023

The Wisconsin space will operate as a Service & Repair Workshop and Training Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MARSHFIELD, WI – November 01, 2023 | Nelson-Jameson, a leading food processing distributor for the dairy industry, announces the launch of its newly expanded Service & Repair Workshop and Training Center in Marshfield, Wisconsin. The company has long maintained an “education-first” philosophy and currently offers equipment repair and service training to suppliers and customers. The new facility more than doubles its existing space to a total of 1450 square feet and includes both in-person and virtual training capabilities. 

“Nelson-Jameson has operated over its 75+ year history by putting customers first,” says Mike Rindy, President of Nelson-Jameson. “The ongoing training and education we provide is one of our proprietary value-add benefits, and we’re excited to enhance our service and training capabilities even further with the new space.” 

The facility has been designed for future service growth as well as educational opportunities. Nelson-Jameson will host its own training workshops on topics such as valve, pump, and plate heat exchanger maintenance; tech training; and safety training; and will develop custom workshops for individual customer needs. The company will also open the Service Training Center to suppliers to conduct partner-supported training workshops within the expanded Service & Repair area. The new space includes upgraded virtual technology features to facilitate connections between customers, suppliers, and service teams across the nation. 

Nelson-Jameson has plans to expand Service & Repair Workshops and Training Centers in other locations in the future, including its new Jerome, Idaho Strategic Distribution Center. Its employees often travel between locations, and multiple workshops will give them the flexibility to seamlessly provide training and repair at each location. 

“We’re designing our spaces, training programs, and workshops to benefit our customers and suppliers across levels and job functions, including maintenance managers, engineers, quality assurance and safety managers, and corporate leaders,” adds Rindy. “It fills a void in the dairy industry, and we are excited to share our expertise with our community.”

More information on the company can be found at https://nelsonjameson.com.

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Nelson-Jameson Names Amanda Nelson Sasse to Dual Leadership Roles

Posted by Nelson-Jameson, Inc.  – In The News, Nelson-Jameson Foundation, Press Room
October 24, 2023

Fourth-generation owner now serves as VP of Philanthropy and Social Impact and President of Nelson-Jameson Foundation

MARSHFIELD, WI – October 24, 2023 | Nelson-Jameson, a leading distributor for the dairy processing industry, has announced the appointment of Amanda Nelson Sasse to two new leadership roles. Nelson Sasse, a fourth-generation owner, will now serve in a dual role as Vice President of Philanthropy and Social Impact for Nelson-Jameson, as well as President of the Nelson-Jameson Foundation (NJF).

Nelson Sasse is a direct descendant of two of Nelson-Jameson’s co-founders, Earl Nelson and Ted Nelson, and has held leadership positions across multiple departments at the company for the past 14 years. As VP of Philanthropy and Social impact, she will oversee Nelson-Jameson’s philanthropic efforts and advance its mission by driving philanthropic initiatives, fostering partnerships, and creating lasting social impact. As President of NJF, Nelson Sasse will be the liaison between Nelson-Jameson and NJF, where she will head quarterly board meetings, oversee committees, and spearhead marketing and public relations functions.

“Nelson-Jameson was built on the values of supporting employee well-being and fostering strong communities. A charitable focus is embedded in our culture,” says Nelson Sasse. “I’m thrilled to continue this 76-year-old legacy by leading the Nelson-Jameson Foundation and furthering the social impact of Nelson-Jameson as an organization.”

Amanda Nelson Sasse photo

The Nelson-Jameson Foundation (NJF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was founded to formalize and expand Nelson-Jameson’s longstanding legacy of philanthropy and community engagement. NJF’s work centers around three pillars – employees, communities, and the industry – with programs including:

  • Volunteer opportunities – NJF offers employees up to eight hours of paid time off per year to volunteer at charitable organizations of their choice during work hours. Employees are also invited to get involved with NJF by volunteering on a Foundation committee.
  • Assistance Fund – Employees facing an unexpected crisis due to a federal, state or locally declared emergency can receive financial assistance through the Golden Rule Assistance Fund.
  • Scholarship programs – The Foundation’s Golden Rule Scholarship Program provides family members of Nelson-Jameson employees the opportunity to apply for scholarships at accredited two- or four-year colleges. It is also committed to funding scholarships for food and dairy science students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
  • Donation & charitable giving grants – NJF will continue Nelson-Jameson’s tradition of supporting 501(c)(3) entities that embody similar cultural values of community stewardship through donations and charitable grants.
  • Matching Gift Program – The Program matches donations that employees make to 501(c)(3) charities of their choice, with a maximum donation of $1,000 per year.

“Amanda has made tremendous contributions to Nelson-Jameson during her tenure here, and her passion for the Nelson-Jameson Foundation’s work is unmatched,” says Nelson-Jameson President Mike Rindy. “I look forward to continuing to partner with her to deliver the exceptional and carry out our shared values across the Nelson-Jameson family of companies.”

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Nelson-Jameson Announces Two New Plant-Based Manufacturing Relationships

Posted by Nelson-Jameson, Inc.  – Packaging & Ingredients, Press Room
October 23, 2023

Leading Distributor Teams up with Vaess and Lallemand Specialty Cultures to Meet Changing Customer Needs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MARSHFIELD, WI – October 23, 2023 | Nelson-Jameson, a leading food processing distributor, has joined forces with Vaess and Lallemand Specialty Cultures (LSC) to meet the demand for increased diversity in existing customers’ portfolios. Nelson-Jameson will be working closely with both companies to deliver targeted strategies for companies producing plant-based and hybrid products for its customers.

For more than 75 years, Nelson-Jameson has supported food, beverage, and dairy processors with innovations that keep pace with changing consumer tastes, manufacturing processes, and distribution channels. The new relationships with Vaess and LSC strengthen the company’s commitment to deliver the exceptional to the dairy industry and beyond.

“Nelson-Jameson is thrilled to collaborate with Vaess and LSC to meet plant-based product development goals for our customers who want to explore additional options to complement their dairy business,” says Peter Kempe, Nelson-Jameson’s Senior Vice President, Strategy & Business Development, Ingredients. “The ingredients expertise that both companies have will help us deliver a comprehensive set of solutions for our customers for years to come.”

Nelson-Jameson, Vases, and Lallemand logos with plant-based products

Vaess has experienced strong growth driven by innovation and industry alliances to develop food for the needs of today and the trends of tomorrow. The company engineers innovative, high-quality ingredients that add value to food, helping companies create products that are not only delicious, but also cost effective, operationally efficient, and commercially scalable.

“This collaboration is part of Vaess’ mission to create a responsible food chain for future generations,” says Coen van Oorschot, Director at Vaess. “As we continue to explore ways to meet changing consumer preferences, it is becoming increasingly important to consider the benefits of plant-based alternatives. By offering plant-based options, we can cater to a wider audience and ensure inclusivity so that there is something for everyone.”

Lallemand has been a global leader in the development, production, and marketing of yeast, bacteria, fungi and their derivatives since the end of the 19th Century. Specifically, Lallemand Specialty Cultures (LSC) has over 100 years of experience in dairy culture fermentation. LSC also provides meat and plant-based solutions, bringing unique appearance, color, flavor, texture and food safety to its offerings.

“Based on the many ingredient sources, plant-based foods offer a wide range of possibilities for consumers,” says Julia Plateau-Gonthier, LSC’s Category Product Manager for Dairy, Meat and Plant-based cultures. “Our know-how in microbiology and fermentation as well as our long-standing experience selecting the best cultures for dairy and meat applications is a strong asset for the development of plant-based cultures.”

To learn more about Nelson-Jameson’s plant-based solutions for food processors and to work on custom-tailored solutions for the industry, contact Nelson-Jameson’s Packaging, Ingredients, and Chemicals Department at PIC@nelsonjameson.com