Bühler Acquires Remaining 50% Stake in Wuxi NutriRice from DSM

28 Nov 2013 --- The Bühler Technology Group has acquired the 50% stake held up to now by its partner Royal DSM in the joint venture Wuxi NutriRice Co. Ltd. Both companies remain committed to continuing their joint efforts to establish rice fortification as an effective and economical technology to combat malnutrition in the world. The micronutrients used in the innovative process of producing the branded fortified rice kernel, NutriRice, will continue to be supplied by DSM.

The company Wuxi NutriRice Co. Ltd., a 50/50 JV between Bühler AG and Royal DSM, was set up 2007 in Wuxi, China, to produce, market and sell rice kernels fortified with micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). This involves a highly innovative process that was jointly developed by Bühler and DSM. The resulting fortified kernels are especially suited to reduce deficiencies resulting from unbalanced nutrition and targeted at specific population groups such as children, pregnant women and elderly people.

The acquisition of the stake held by DSM enables Bühler to extend the offering of the extruded products in China beyond fortified rice kernels. In addition, it allows the extrusion research department of Bühler China to be integrated in the same building. DSM’s commitment to rice fortification remains unchanged. The knowledge gained in the 6 years of co-ownership of Wuxi NutriRice Co. Ltd. capacitates DSM to offer a complete solution for rice fortificaition to their customers.

Existing customers will continue to be supplied with the same high-quality fortified rice kernels containing DSM micronutrients.

Bühler is a global leader in the field of process technology, in particular production technologies and services for producing foods and manufacturing advanced materials. Bühler operates in over 140 countries and has a global payroll of over 10,000. In fiscal 2012, the company generated sales of CHF 2.4 billion.