Wenger’s Brian Plattner Appointed to KSU Adjunct Faculty
Described as “an invaluable resource for research and industrial client activities of the university’s extrusion lab,” Brian Plattner, process engineering manager at Wenger Manufacturing, Inc., was recently appointed as an adjunct instructor in the Department of Grain Science and Industry at Kansas State University. As a member of the adjunct faculty, Plattner will assist with teaching at K-State, as well as participate in department research and support.
“Brian has already become a regular guest lecturer for the extrusion class, which I’ve been teaching as part of the curriculum since 2002,” says Dr. Sajid
Alavi, associate professor in the Kansas State University Department of Grain Science and Industry. “Plus, he has been an instructor in the Extrusion
Processing: Technology and Commercialization short courses held here in Manhattan and in India since 2005.”
The latter, Dr. Alavi explains, are one-week courses designed for food processors, entrepreneurs, researchers and students who want training in the fundamentals and operation of extruders or who desire to learn the latest trends in extrusion processing. While the course in India is designed for Indian
professionals and companies, the course held on the KSU campus is open to professionals in the food and feed industries from around the world.”
According to Alavi, Plattner has also worked on several research and client service projects at K-State that have benefited both the university and the
industry as a whole. Speaking in reference to the formal appointment, Alavi adds, “I think this is an excellent opportunity to formalize the great relationship we have established over the past several years with Brian and with Wenger as a major stakeholder and supporter.”
A 1997 graduate of Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Plattner went on to earn his
Professional Engineering License in 2003. In his current position at Wenger Manufacturing, he is responsible for process specification, which calls for helping customers specify new lines and/or improving existing ones. He is also involved in researching new innovations for Wenger’s line of extrusion and drying equipment and he has authored an extensive list of publications, book chapters and patents that highlight his extensive technical background.
“It’s an honor to be named to the adjunct instructor position,” Plattner humbly admits. “I believe it is something that will benefit all of us, especially on the research side. K-State historically looks at emerging technologies that can be several years from realization. Wenger, who is market-driven, focuses on the short-term needs of the food and feed industry. This partnership will allow us to combine our efforts to develop and identify the technologies that will be required for the future. I believe it will also give us more exposure on campus and allow us to offer continuing education benefits and a wider range of training options for our clients. So I look at this as a win-win situation and a way to build an even more solid relationship.”
Wenger Manufacturing, Inc., headquartered in Sabetha, Kansas, USA, is a global designer, manufacturer and distributor of extrusion processing equipment and related replacement parts. Wenger systems are distributed in over 90 countries, through international sales offices in the U.S., Europe and Asia. Wenger offers a full product line including single and twin screw extruders, snack extruders, forming extruders, conical co-rotating twin screw extruders, universal pellet/cookers, dryers and flavor coating and enrobing systems for animal feeds, snack foods and cereal foods.
