Agribusiness giant Archer Daniels Midland yesterday announced it will increase its liquid sorbitol capacity by 60 per cent by the end of 2003 in order to meet increased demand. The expansion will be implemented by adding new capacity at its facilities in Decatur, Illinois.
Sorbitol is a versatile and noncariogenic sweetener 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.
ADM is one of the world's largest processors of soybeans, corn, wheat and cocoa. It is also a leader in soy meal and oil, ethanol, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and flour. In addition, ADM is building a position in such value-added products as specialty food ingredients, bioproducts and nutraceuticals (such as Vitamin E and sterols).
Headquartered in Decatur, Illinois, ADM has over 25,000 employees, more than 260 processing plants and net sales for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2003 of $30.7 billion. Additional information can be found on ADM's website.