Agribusiness giant Archer Daniels Midland yesterday said it will increase its liquid sorbitol capacity by 60 per cent by the end of 2003 in order to meet increased demand.
The firm will add new capacity at its facilities in Decatur, Illinois.
Sorbitol is a non-cariogenic sweetner that is used in a variety of sugar-free products including toothpaste and chewing gum. It is produced through the hydrogenation of dextrose, which in turn is supplied through ADM's corn wet milling operation located in Decatur.
According to Reuters, capacity at ADM's liquid sorbitol processing plant is planned to increase to 360 million pounds per year, up from 225 million currently. Costs of the expansion were not revealed.
Decatur-based ADM had net sales of $30.7 billion for the year ended 30 June 2003. One of the world's largest processors of soybeans, corn, wheat and cocoa, ADM is also building its share in the market for value-added specialty food ingredients and nutraceuticals, such as vitamin E and sterols.