Royal DSM enzyme facility put into operation

Royal DSM, a global life and materials science company, put its food specialties world-class enzyme facility in Yixing, Jiangsu province, into operation on Wednesday.

The facility, the company's first in Asia following those in France and the United States, aims to serve both global and local markets, laying a foundation for the development of the DSM enzyme business in China, said Jiang Weiming, president of DSM China.

"It is a key effort DSM has made to show its confidence in China and strong commitment to investment in the Chinese market," said Jiang, also DSM vice-president.

The facility, covering an area of 4,000 square meters, is part of DSM's five-year $1 billion investment in China, with a major portion to be spent on food industry projects in cities such as Yantai, Shandong province, and Beijing, he said.

Lars Asferg, business unit director at DSM Food Specialties and president of DSM (Jiangsu) Biological Technology Co Ltd, said the facility follows the same quality standards and management system of European manufacturing sites.

"We pursue food quality and safety to contribute to the improvement of China's food industry," Asferg said.

The facility, consisting of solid and liquid compounds, an ambient warehouse and a refrigeration house, will produce enzymes for milk, beer and juice industries by using local raw materials and key technologies from abroad.

The plant has reserved space for future expansion. In the first round, it will produce some of the enzymes for the baking and brewing industries. It will gradually expand is categories and portfolio in answer to market needs, Asferg said.

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