Ajinomoto plans expansion

22/06/05 Ajinomoto Co., Inc. will invest approximately 15 billion yen to expand its production capacity for feed grade amino acids and umami seasonings. By doing so, it plans to strengthen its competitive advantage and further expand demand for its amino acids business, in which the company holds a strong number-one position.

Demand is increasing substantially in the feed-use amino acids and umami seasonings markets, and Ajinomoto is pursuing a two-fold business strategy of providing a stable supply to the markets while improving profitability through cost reductions.

In its 2005-2010 Medium-to Long-Term Management Plan, Ajinomoto plans to reinforce its strong number-one position and expand its business base with a basic four-part strategy of expanding markets and strengthening its competitive advantage, retail business and research and development. Ajinomoto aims to achieve net sales of 410 billion and operating income of 63 billion in its amino acids business, which includes feed-use amino acids, amino acids for pharmaceuticals and foods, umami seasonings and amino acid-based sweeteners.