DSM has Started ROPUFA Production in Grenzach, Germany

04/09/06 After only three months since a fire severely damaged the production site for its omega-3 and omega-6 oils at Heanor, UK, DSM Nutritional Products has started production of these oils at its Grenzach facility in Germany. This rapid start-up will ensure continuity of supply of ROPUFA for the food and dietary supplement segments and will ensure that the company is able again to supply all its customers.

After careful consideration of various long-term options for ROPUFA production, DSM has elected not to re-build the Heanor oil production facility. The Grenzach facility will from now on ensure DSM's ROPUFA production requirements, with sufficient production capacity. The company remains fully committed to the business and maintaining its leading role in the area of high quality omega-3 and omega-6 oils.

DSM has started a consultation process with those employees affected by the decision not to rebuild the production facility at Heanor. The company will seek to minimise the number of redundancies, where possible, and will undertake efforts to help in finding new jobs, where necessary.

Omega-3 and Omega-6 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) are essential nutrients with widely recognised health benefits. DSM is a market leader in the production of high quality LC-PUFAs marketed under its ROPUFA trademark and incorporated in a wide variety of household brands.