Sensory Spectrum to join Research Campus

By Emily Ford

eford@salisburypost.com

Kannapolis — A sensory testing firm has signed an agreement with the N.C. Research Campus and will open a facility in January.

New Jersey-based Sensory Spectrum will hire about 20 to 35 sensory scientists, psychologists, technicians and administrative staff in Kannapolis.

"The company could have located anywhere in Southeast, but with the campus' collaborative approach to research we believe it will provide us a fertile place to grow and be innovative in the health and wellness sector," Gail Vance Civille, Sensory Spectrum's president, said in a statement.

Founded in 1986, Sensory Spectrum facilitates testing for companies in the food, beverage, ingredient, personal and oral health care and nutrition industries.

The company has an existing relationship with the UNC Nutrition Research Institute, also located at the N.C. Research Campus. Campus officials said they believe the company is a good fit for future collaborations.

"Sensory will be an important part of the ecosystem that we are trying to build in Kannapolis," said Clyde Higgs, vice president for business development for campus developer Castle & Cooke North Carolina. "They already have partnerships with many of the companies that we are trying to recruit to the campus."

Sensory Spectrum works with clients to guide decision making in the fields of foods, beverages, oral health, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, fabrics, paper, household products, fragrances and environmental odor control.

The Research Campus is a public-private collaboration between founder David H. Murdock, eight North Carolina universities, the N.C. Community College System and a growing number of businesses with international reputations. Campus officials have said they will announce additional new tenants this fall.