Chr. Hansen has purchased a new manufacturing facility in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, which will become the company’s North American headquarters for its natural colours division.
The Banker Wire facility is in convenient proximity to Chr. Hansen’s Milwaukee base and the company said the step has been taken in response to an ever growing interest from US consumers for products made from natural and safe ingredients.
The acquired site will house everything from production, to research and development, application and quality assurance labs, a pilot plant, a dedicated warehouse, as well as sales and marketing and other business support functions.
Chr. Hansen said the expansion will strengthen its position to deliver natural colour solutions to current and future customers. It will create better speed to market, based on more flexibility in production and supply chain.
Jacob Vishof Paulsen, acting executive vice president of Chr. Hansen’s natural colours division, said: “Having the whole chain gathered in one place will allow for a fast and agile response to customer needs, supporting Chr. Hansen’s current and future business demands for the next decade – with room to grow.
John Veidt, plant manager of the natural colours division, added: “We partner with some of the greatest food brands in the world and indeed experience a big demand for natural ingredients.
“With this expansion, we are increasing production capacity and adding new capabilities, enabling us to meet the rapidly increasing demand for natural colours in North America.”
The announcement comes as Chr. Hansen releases its half-year financial figures in which it saw its revenue increase by 3% to €518.2 million.
CEO Cees de Jong said he was “satisfied” with progress in the first half of the year and that “the solid development from Q1 has continued into Q2, with strong organic growth in food cultures and enzymes from all product categories and regions”.
Denmark-headquartered Chr. Hansen, which has been present in the North American market since 1878, will begin construction at the site next year and initially employ between 70 and 80 people. Meanwhile it will continue to serve its customers from its base in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Earlier this year, the company announced that Mauricio Graber will take over as CEO in June this year, following the resignation of Cees de Jong after five years at the helm.
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