Shanghai Ajinomoto Amino Acid Co., Ltd. Expands Amino Acid Production Capacity

TOKYO, Dec. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Ajinomoto Co., Inc. (Ajinomoto Co.) has announced that its subsidiary, Shanghai Ajinomoto Amino Acid Co., Ltd. in Shanghai, China, has begun operation of its newly expanded amino acid production line. The expansion for the facility's capacity to manufacture pharmaceutical-grade amino acids is essential to help Ajinomoto Co. meet demand in the steadily-growing market globally.

Ajinomoto Co. estimates that global amino acid demands will exceed 60,000 metric tons (mt) in 2025. Therefore, the company plans to expand amino acids production capacity to more than 20,000mt before 2020 and to reach 30,000mt in 2025. Shanghai Ajinomoto Amino Acid Co., Ltd., which was established in 1998, is one Ajinomoto Group company that has expanded to meet this increased demand, with other Ajinomoto Group global affiliates set to follow. Ajinomoto Co. began to supply products from the company's new Shanghai production line at the beginning of October.

About Ajinomoto Co.

Ajinomoto Co. is a global manufacturer of high-quality seasonings, processed foods, beverages, amino acids, pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals. For many decades Ajinomoto Co. has contributed to food culture and human health through wide-ranging application of amino acid technologies. Today, the company is becoming increasingly involved with solutions for improved food resources, human health and global sustainability. Founded in 1909 and now operating in 26 countries, Ajinomoto Co. had net sales of JPY 1,172.4 billion (USD 14.1 billion) in fiscal 2012. For more about Ajinomoto Co. (TYO: 2802), visit www.ajinomoto.com.

SOURCE Ajinomoto Co.