Kemin to double capacity at Chennai plant

As part of its expansion plans, the US based nutritional ingredient manufacturer Kemin Industries would double its Chennai plant capacity with an additional investment of Rs 15 crore, a top official said today.

Kemin Industries Group President, Mr Christopher E Nelson said that from the new facility, the company — celebrating its Golden Jubilee this year — would manufacture minerals such as zinc, copper, manganese, cobalt and iron to the animal food industry.

“We have made additional investments of Rs 15 crore for doubling our plant at Gummidipoondi near Chennai. It is one of our large scale facilities in the Asia. We will produce organic minerals like zinc, copper, manganese, cobalt and iron,” Mr Nelson said.

Kemin Industries had made an investment of $50 million in 1998 when it entered India, Mr Nelson said.

Stating that the capacity expansion plan at the facility was considered with the presence of the Chennai International airport and ports on the Eastern coast of the country, he said they would also export the products manufactured from here to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and also to some parts of Europe.

On their future plans, Kemin Industries South Asia President and CEO, Mr K P Philip said they would be have to make another capacity expansion at the Chennai facility over a three-year period.

“Given the growth predicted, in another two-three years we will be required to double the capacity again”, he said.

According to him, the Indian subsidiary reported Rs 75 crore revenues last year and aims to touch Rs 100 crore this year. Globally Kemin Industries has manufacturing facilities at eight locations. It operates in 60 countries and has over 1,300 employees.

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