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Engineering

Innovating solutions for a better tomorrow.

The importance of innovation is undeniable when you’re pioneering a whole new industry. Off-the-shelf seaweed processing equipment did not exist when we opened our doors and is still uncommon to this day. From our early days, we knew we would need to create the equipment, technologies, techniques and processes necessary to bring exceptional products, derived from nutrient-rich seaweed, to the world. And that we needed exceptional minds to do it.

That’s why we have hired innovative engineers and forward-thinkers from the very beginning. It’s their work that’s enabled us to always adapt to change and create equipment, processes and facilities that rival the world’s best. And through their innovation, they’ve helped us create products and a business that improves the lives of our customers, their end users and the planet.

Here’s a glimpse at the ways we encourage continuous engineering innovation every day within our organization:

Deveau Center Extraction Facility

Cornwallis, N.S. Canada

Though our Deveau Center Extraction Facility is concentrated on transforming raw Ascophyllum nodosum into liquid or dry soluble extract, we also use this Cornwallis plant to commercialize new innovations. At this location, our engineers spend their time troubleshooting and optimizing our processes, equipment and technologies.

 

We explore new ways to reduce our environmental footprint through the pursuit of zero-waste practices, accelerate our packaging and material handling, and elevate the consistency and quality of our products. If there’s a leading-edge Acadian processing practice, it’s likely it started here.

Craigie Research Center

Cornwallis, N.S. Canada

Our 30,000 square foot research facility does more than unlock the hidden potential of Ascophyllum nodosum – it serves as a testing ground for new and improved engineering innovation. Here we’ve designed and built custom seawater pasteurization equipment, water purification, low-pressure filtered air distribution systems and temperature-controlled water baths for precision seaweed cultivation.

 

We’ve even workshopped process automation and data-driven processes that not only provide the necessary infrastructure to support our research activities but have the potential to upgrade our worldwide operations.

Seaweed Cultivation and Food Processing

Charlesville, N.S. Canada

Our Charlesville facility boasts the largest land-based seaweed cultivation operation in the world, where domesticated seaweed is grown and processed for consumers worldwide. It’s through the dedication and resourcefulness of our engineering team that this agricultural breakthrough was even possible.

Over a ten-year period, they designed and refined a system of cultivation ponds, large-scale water distribution network, and LED lamps to foster controlled growth for a consistent product. That was only the beginning. Today, our engineers continue to identify new efficiencies and technological advancements, improving the quality and consistency of our food products on a regular basis.

Meal Processing Facilities

Yarmouth, N.S. Canada. Pennfield, N.B. Canada. Arramara, Ireland. Uist Asco, Scotland.

With the volume and variety of different seaweed species that come through our meal processing facilities, our engineers have worked hard to adapt to their unique processing requirements. They’ve modified equipment to improve the raw material handling at their specific sites and optimized quality assurance processes to ensure our customers receive consistent, top-quality products.

Plus, our engineering team always has the freedom to experiment with new sustainable measures, digital systems and automation processes to improve how we bring high-quality seaweed products to the world. It’s what keeps our business on the leading edge.

Our Engineers

 

The resourcefulness and ingenuity of our business depends on hiring people who understand our vision and think outside of the box. Our current team continues to wow us. Here’s a glimpse of the incredible people on our Engineering Team:

Simon Amm

Joined ASL: 2013

Location: Cornwallis

Education: Bachelor in Applied Science (Chemical Engineering) from the University of Waterloo.

 

Simon is an Engineer at our Acadian Seaplants Cornwallis facility.

Ian Baillargeon

Joined ASL: 2021

Location: Rivière-du-Loup, Québec

Education: Specialized Graduate Degree, International Projects & Global Engineering from the École de Technologie Supérieure du Québec and Bachelor, Mechanical Engineering from the Université de Sherbrooke.

 

Ian is the Director, Global Engineering at our Acadian Seaplants head office.

Jean-Pierre (JP) Brien

Joined ASL: 2010

Location: Scotland

Education: Bachelor, Mechanical Engineering from Dalhousie University.

 

JP Brien is the Project Manager at our Uist Asco facility.

Jean-Luc (JL) Deveau

Joined ASL: 2020

Location: Remote

Education: Bachelor in Applied Science (Mechanical Engineering) from Queen’s University.

 

JL is a Project Engineer supporting various operations across Acadian Seaplants, Uist Asco and Arramara Teoranta.

Wade Hazel

Joined ASL: 2000

Location: Cornwallis

Education: Bachelor in Engineering (Metallurgical) from the Dalhousie University.

 

Wade is the Senior Engineer at our Acadian Seaplants Cornwallis facility.

Andy Norman

Joined ASL: 2015

Location: Cornwallis

Education: Master of Science, Engineering from the University of Western Ontario.

 

Andy is a Continuous Improvement Process Scientist at our Acadian Seaplants Cornwallis facility.

Aaron Sams

Joined ASL: 1998

Location: Dartmouth

Education: Bachelor, Engineering from Dalhousie University.

 

Aaron Sams is the Manager, New Process Development at our Acadian Seaplants Dartmouth office.

Craig Vander Zwaag

Joined ASL: 2017

Location: Charlesville

Education: Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of New Brunswick.

 

Craig is an Engineer at our Acadian Seaplants Charlesville facility.

Francis

Francis John Atis

Joined ASL: 2021

Location: Cornwallis

Education: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Ateneo de Davao University, Philippines.

 

Francis is an Engineer at our Acadian Seaplants Cornwallis Facility.

At Acadian our science has a practical purpose.

See how all of our products are designed to create a more sustainable future.

Growing PlantsNourishing AnimalsHelping People

We aim to make a difference in the world.

Find out about the vision, people and communities that are making that happen.

Learn more about Acadian Seaplants

How can Acadian Seaplants benefit you?

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