With 176,000 visitors from 106 countries and 2,668 exhibitors from 57 nations, Interpack 2005 exceeded all expectations, according to exhibitors, visitors, trade associations and Messe Düsseldorf. Visitor numbers reportedly rose well above the high level of attendance at Interpack 2002.

Milford, Ohio-based Total Quality Logistics Inc. has completed a 25,000-square-foot expansion of its main office. The new addition yields a total office size of 40,000 square feet in an investment by the company of more than $3 million.

Kingsport, Tenn.-based Centrus International Inc., has announced the results of a new study comparing the accuracy of the Soleris rapid microbiological testing system with conventional plating methods. The study shows that Soleris technology matches the accuracy of conventional methods while providing the added benefits of increased speed and ease of use. Centrus is a wholly owned subsidiary of Eastman Chemical Co.

The Dairy Business Innovation Center (DBIC) has provided technical and marketing assistance to 87 dairy businesses in starting or expanding a dairy plant, launching a new product or entering a new market. The DBIC provides a full array of technical assistance to new and emerging dairy businesses including farmstead and artisan dairies as well as small, medium and large dairy processors.

The Network of Executive Women, Consumer Products and Retail Industry, Chicago, has awarded six scholarships to women majoring in retailing and consumer packaged goods related marketing programs. This year’s award recipients are Sadia Asghar from the University of Maryland, Michelle Bond of Portland State University, Amanda Lerette of Western Michigan University, Rebecca Meyers of St. Joseph’s University, Olga Rusmanova of Portland State University and Lorrie Stys of Arizona State University East. The NEW scholarship is underwritten by Ahold USA, the Friends of the Industry consortium and PepsiCo. The program is open to juniors, seniors and graduate students who are majoring in retail or consumer packaged goods-related marketing programs at accredited universities in the United States. 

Packaging executives from many of the nation’s leading food companies recently convened at Multivac Inc.’s North American headquarters in Kansas City, Mo., to take part in the Multivac Better Packaging Technologies Forum. Attendees participated in interactive demonstrations of the latest advancements in automated packaging and had the opportunity to discuss specific applications with Multivac engineers.