Lanier Technical College administrators got the opportunity Monday to showcase the school and its offerings as part of the annual World Food Logistics Institute.

Program participants toured the school’s Center for Innovation for Manufacturing Excellence and learned about using ammonia as a refrigerant.

The institute is one of the educational opportunities provided jointly by the World Food Logistics Organization and the International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses.

According to Lanier Tech Vice President Russel Vandiver, Georgia Tech and Lanier Tech recently joined to host the four-day program now in its 42nd year.

“We have one of the few ammonia refrigeration programs in the country, so this was a great opportunity for a partnership,” Vandiver said. “You can send out brochures about what you have to offer, but to fully understand it you need to see it in person.”

The purpose of the institute is to provide educational opportunities for refrigerated warehouse professionals and other food industry employees. And the World Food Logistics group is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the safe food handling and storage.

According to Bill Hudson, president of World Food Logistics, a majority of the group’s members use ammonia as a coolant in their industries.

“When used properly, ammonia is a cost-effective and efficient refrigerant,” Hudson said. “This (institute) helps our members understand how to use it.”

Other courses offered through the institute, which is a three-year program, include classes on warehouse exposures, emergency response and principles of refrigeration.