2/24/99

Contacts:
Dennis Marple, Animal Science, (515) 294-2160
Thomas Mitchell, ISU Foundation, (515) 294-6655
Brian Meyer, Agriculture Information, (515) 294-0706

RAY T. TOWNSEND MEAT RESEARCH LABS DEDICATED AT IOWA STATE

AMES -- A gift from a Des Moines business will help Iowa State University expand research and education in meat quality and safety.

The Ray T. Townsend Meat Research Laboratories were dedicated in February. The facilities, located in the new addition to Kildee Hall, will expand the Department of Animal Science's capabilities in meat biochemical and microbiological research.

The labs were made possible by a gift from Townsend Engineering in honor of Ray T. Townsend, the founder of the company. The Des Moines firm has been designing and manufacturing meat processing equipment for more than 50 years.

The new facilities include a biochemistry lab complex and processing facilities. In the labs, researchers will use high-tech equipment to study factors influencing meat and poultry quality. The Townsend labs also will make it possible to expand research in meat processing and in biochemistry.

"Townsend Engineering's support makes it possible for us to more effectively serve the meat processing industry," said Dennis Marple, head of Iowa State's animal science department.

Townsend, a member of the Iowa Inventors Hall of Fame, holds more than 100 patents. Among his inventions were the first machine to remove skin from pork cuts and the first automatic sausage linking machine. Today, Townsend Engineering equipment is used in more than 100 countries.

A member of the Order of the Knoll, the highest donor recognition club at ISU, Townsend has given his support to many university areas, including the Science Fair Fund, the Iowa Meat Processors Scholarship, the 4-H Foundation and athletics. He also is an ISU Foundation Governor.

"Ray Townsend is a true entrepreneur and leader in the meat processing industry. His support will enhance Iowa State's educational efforts and its aspiration to become the best land-grant institution in the country," said Thomas Mitchell, president of the ISU Foundation.

Townsend Engineering's most recent gift was given to the ISU Foundation as part of Campaign Destiny: To Become the Best. This $425 million campaign, the largest private fund-raising effort in ISU history, was established to support priority needs of the university.

Townsend, his wife Cleda and other Townsend Engineering officials were among those attending the dedication.

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