Expanding in China: Kemin opens new Innovation and Technology Center

05 Nov 2019 --- Ingredient manufacturer Kemin Industries has opened a new Innovation and Technology Center at its regional headquarters in Zhuhai, China. The company says the new facility will improve Kemin's capability to develop leading technologies and services and the 4,200-square-meter facility is approximately a US$14.2 million investment in Kemin's research and development in China. 

The center will employ scientists to work in multiple industries that Kemin serves, including human and animal nutrition and health, aquaculture, food technologies, pet food and specialty crop improvement.

“This new laboratory will allow Kemin to harness the talent and creative thinking of Chinese scientists and the insights of our customers to develop the technologies they need,” says Dr. Chris Nelson, President and CEO of Kemin. 

“We must take the opportunity to tap into our local customer base to better understand their needs and the challenges they face. Opening a research and development center here prepares us to better meet the growing demands of our industries in the region and increase our global impact.”

Over the past 30 years, Kemin has become deeply rooted in China, and has had many achievements in animal nutrition and health in the country, some of which have been expanded globally. Now, the new Innovation and Technology Center allows Kemin to be more responsive to changes in the Chinese market and provide localized products and solutions, says the company. 

“The Innovation and Technology Center will improve both our research and development capabilities in China and the Customer Laboratory Services we offer. We can now provide a technical training center to our customers as part of this new facility,” explains Dr. Zhilin Gan, President, Kemin Animal Nutrition and Health – China. 

The Innovation and Technology Center was inaugurated during a ceremony on November 1, 2019, which was followed by a conference with industry leaders and customers. The event addressed topics such as industry challenges and solutions, with attendees gathering to share their views, experiences and thoughts on the dynamics, trends and directions of the industry in the future.

Last month, FoodIngredientsFirst reported that Kemin inaugurated a new Bakery Innovation Center at its global headquarters in Iowa, US. The US$1.5 million investment is designed to fuel innovation within the bakery market and comprises technical and analytical capacities to accelerate product development. 

Edited by Elizabeth Green