Kemin is a privately held manufacturer of food, feed and dietary supplement ingredients based in Des Moines, IA. The new division is located in Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, the site of its former distribution partner Agri-Marketing Corp, which Kemin has now fully acquired. The details of the deal were not disclosed.
"With this new location in Canada, we are increasing our efforts to better serve our current customers as well as explore new opportunities for our product and services to improve the quality of life for people and animals in Canada," said Dr. Chris Nelson, president and CEO of Kemin. "Kemin continues to grow, and having a larger presence in Canada is a logical next step for our global expansion."
Agri-Marketing has been distributing Kemin products since its inception more than 35 years ago. Kemin said it expects a seamless transition for customers as Agri-Marketing sales employees become Kemin employees. The new Kemin location will focus on serving the animal nutrition and health market, as well as the pet food and rendering industries. Kemin said it will look to grow its business through offering an expanded portfolio.
Kemin has been on an acquisition phase since the beginning of 2017. Early March of year the company acquired Algal Scientific, a Michigan-based company specializing in beta-glucan technology for antibiotic alternatives for animals. In April, Kemin opened an office and manufacturing facility in Lipetsk, Russia. It has also expanded its IP portfolio in its ingredients, included a recent patent on drying technology associated with its Neumentix spearmint extract.