Developers are planning a new facility in Salina that will research the best ways to move bulk solids.

The 17,000-square-foot research facility, will be called The Salina Bulk Solids Innovation Center. Construction is expected to begin next summer.

The Salina Journal reports the research will be used by industries that use and make conveyance systems for materials such as sugar, starch, minerals and chemicals.

The project is a collaboration among Kansas State University, the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, the city of Salina, a number of private companies and K-Tron Salina. It will be the only research facility of its kind in the United States.

A Kansas State official says the research could also be used someday to improve grain sciences.