WACKER expands its production of cysteine
Acquires fermentation plant in Spain
WACKER BIOSOLUTIONS, the life sciences and biotechnology division of the WACKER Group, is acquiring a large-scale fermentation plant from Antibióticos de León SLU (ADL) in Spain. The two companies announced the signing of the contract of sale. At the León plant, WACKER will produce cysteine by fermentation for use in food and pharmaceutical products. For WACKER, this strategic acquisition is a major step in satisfying globally growing customer demand for cysteine during the years ahead, and in supporting the commercialization of other bioengineered products.
Through the acquisition, WACKER is obtaining a production line with a fermentation capacity of 800 m3 from Antibióticos de León SLU in León (northern Spain). The Munich-based chemical company intends to invest a total of about €30 million to modernize the existing facility and add production equipment over the next few years, thereby creating some 35 new jobs at the site. The transaction is expected to close by year-end.
“The acquisition is a key step in strengthening our position as the global market and technology leader for fermentation-generated cysteine,” explained Auguste Willems of WACKER’s Executive Board, commenting on the investment. “This project is part of our strategy to increase the proportion of specialties in our total business and thus to continue our profitable growth. The acquisition gives us an ideal position to securely meet our customers’ growing demand for cysteine and to commercialize new fermenter products in the future.”
Juan Molins, Managing Director of Antibióticos de León, said: “This step is an excellent opportunity to use the spare ADL fermentation capacity, while it underscores the strategy of converting our installation in a cluster of activities with added value. We are happy that the WACKER Group is investing in León and are sure we have found the right partner to continue developing this site for a successful future.”
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