Huber Acquires West Coast Ingredients

06/07/06 Huber Engineered Materials, part of J.M. Huber Corporation has announced the acquisition of West Coast Ingredients in Modesto, Calif. Terms of the deal were not released.

West Coast Ingredients is known for its specialty services related to serving the dietary supplement and functional food markets. According to Huber officials, the acquisition is another step in Huber's goal of bolstering its health and nutrition strategic business unit. The addition of WCI brings blending and fluid bed processing technology, paving the way for specialty granulations, triturations and micro-encapsulations.

"Adding custom blending and fluid bed technology is a natural fit for Huber," said Michael Carpenter, VP and GM of Huber's Heath and Nutrition business unit. "Our experience in minerals, processed ingredients and GMP processing will bring immediate value to existing customers and prospects alike."

Already known for its HuberCal calcium carbonate and oyster shell products for use in dietary supplements as well as calcium silicate, silicon dioxide and other specialty excipients for use in oral dosage tablets, Huber has operated a granulation business in Benicia, Calif., since October 2003. The company has been in the inorganic materials and bulk powders business for six decades.

Huber anticipates the move will accelerate its activity in commercializing processed vitamins, minerals, specialty supplements and pharmaceutical ingredients. "Huber now can deliver a strong set of products and services to the health and nutrition market," added Carpenter.