Cargill is opening its new Regenasure glucosamine plant this week, after investing more than $10 million in the Eddyville facility.
The HACCP/ISO 9002 certified plant will manufacture Cargill's corn-derived glucosamine, said to be the first American-produced glucosamine on the market. The product was conceived, developed and brought to market by the staff of Cargill Eddyville.
Glucosamine is used widely to promote joint health, although the supplement is usually derived from shellfish, which can cause an allergic reaction in some people.
The facility also produces corn sweeteners, citric acid and other acidulants, ethanol, feed ingredients and, through a joint venture with Roche, vitamin E. Cargill Eddyville also supplies dextrose (corn sugar) to three neighboring businesses, Ajinomoto, Walker Biochem and Heartland Lysine.
Iowa governor Tom Vilsack is among the scheduled speakers for the opening of the plant on Thursday, which now has a workforce of up to 460. A number of other public officials and dignitaries are expected to participate in the event.