Chr. Hansen, Milwaukee, WI, has completed a major upgrade of its culture plant, which is the largest lactic acid bacteria production facility in North America. A substantial part of the plant was renovated, particularly the fermentation area, which was rebuilt. Changes included the addition of several new systems and the replacement and/or upgrading of other existing equipment. Also included was the redesign of the QC laboratory, creating three distinct labs for inoculation, site sampling and finished product procedures.