The Tech Center

The Tech Center: Featuring Andy's Hand

        Monday was my first day! I was assigned a laptop, oriented with Outlook, and met my manager, Andy McPherson! Andy is the master of carbohydrate chemistry and works in multiple business units and on many projects because the uses of starches and gums are frequently used to modify texture and water-holding capacity of any food product.
       The Tech Center is the hub of all research and development for Kraft products and has a pilot plant for small scale production of new products and innovations. The Tech Center also has a fitness center with classes during the work day, Kraft University courses, an inexpensive cafeteria, a corporate store with REALLY discounted Kraft brands, a Gevalia Kafé, and many open innovation spaces. There is even a treadmill desk to promote exercise and productivity.






        In the Gevalia Kafé, there is coffee (Maxwell house), tea, Tassimo (Kraft version of Keurig), Cracker Barrel cheese sticks, Jell-O, pudding, and Lunchables!! I have noticed that people are always snacking or drinking coffee. Especially the other interns!! When you work at a food company, there is always food to be had.

         On my first day, I was assigned an ID card which serves as a passkey to gain access to the building and many other parts of the building. Everyone walks around the halls with their lab coats, some of them are covered in orange cheese from working to reformulate food products, such as Velveeta or Blue Box Mac 'n Cheese. It's a great atmosphere and I am frequently encouraged to arrange meetings with regular employees to meet, greet, and to do what students do -- ask questions!