FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OSAGE, IA., March 16, 2012 – Dignitaries from state and local government joined representatives from Sumitomo Biorational Corporation (VBC) in Iowa today for a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction on the company’s new $146 million biorational manufacturing facility.
Biorationals are products derived from natural or biological origins that are highly specific in their activity and have low impact on workers and the environment. The biorational industry has achieved steady growth in agriculture as awareness about needs for sustainable solutions in food production and distribution have increased.
“The world needs sustainable technologies that deliver measureable value not only to the food production chain, but also to consumers,” said Mike Donaldson, President and CEO of Sumitomo Biorational. “Our growth and ability to make this investment shows that our products are meeting those needs on a large scale, and that our determination, focus, and commitment to developing these technologies are being rewarded.”
Iowa Governor Terry E. Branstad joined Donaldson at the ceremony, along with members of the media and 25 other state and local dignitaries.
“This is a proud day for the state of Iowa, for Osage, and for Mitchell County,” Branstad said. “We recognize that VBC had many choices as to where to build this facility. That they chose to build it here is a testament to our community and the hard work and dedication of the people of this state.”
Scheduled for completion in 2014, the new 130,000 square-foot facility will be the first- ever designed and dedicated entirely to the manufacturing of biorationals. When complete, production will include microbial products as well as plant growth regulators and other biorationals. VBC is the leading developer and manufacturer of biorational product solutions for agriculture, public health, and forestry worldwide.
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About Sumitomo Biorational Corporation
Headquartered in Libertyville, IL, Sumitomo Biorational is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sumitomo Chemical Company. Sumitomo Biorational is the worldwide leader in the development, manufacturing and commercialization of biorational products, with sales in over 90 countries around the world. Sumitomo Biorational is an ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company. For additional information, visit the company’s website at www.sumitomobiorational.com.
Media Contact:
Barbara Wendling
Sumitomo Biorational Corporation
847-968-4793
Email: barbara.wendling@valentbiosciences.com