November 2001

Ajinomoto Frozen Foods Co., Inc. Ajinomoto Co., Inc.

Expansion of Facilities at Ajinomoto Frozen Foods (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

Ajinomoto Frozen Foods Co., Inc. was established on October 1, 2000, as part of the new development of the Ajinomoto Group in the 21st century in line with Ajinomoto’s aim of being a global corporation in food and amino acid products from its beginnings in Japan. The growth rate of the frozen foods industry has risen in recent years, and with the market entry of foreign corporations and domestic companies from other industries, high competitiveness and speedy product development capabilities are essential.   Against this background, on November 16, 2001 Ajinomoto Frozen Foods Co., Inc. will hold a completion ceremony for the expansion of facilities at Ajinomoto Frozen Foods (Thailand) Co., Ltd., carried out in a joint venture with the Ajinomoto Group.   Based on Ajinomoto’s food processing technologies and Thailand’s advantages in raw materials procurement, costs, and other factors, the Company established Ajinomoto Frozen Foods (Thailand) Co., Ltd. in 1990 and Ajinomoto Betagro Frozen Foods (Thailand) Co., Ltd. in 1995, which have carried out production and marketing centered on processed chicken dishes. The current expansion of facilities is intended to raise production capability in response to the steady sales growth in Japan of core products in the household and commercial markets. The products to be produced include a variety of frozen chicken dishes, such as Yawaraka Wakadori Kara-age, fried chicken and other fried dishes, and steamed products. The Company plans to raise its annual production capacity in Thailand from the current 11,000 tons to 16,000 tons over five years, with an estimated total investment of approximately ¥850 million. Sales will be primarily to Japan. However, the Company plans to consider sales in Asian regions, where the frozen food market is growing, and Europe, where processed chicken dishes are currently being exported.   Ajinomoto Frozen Foods Co., Inc. is progressing with the development of global activities. During fiscal 2001, in addition to carrying out product procurement from Thailand and China, the company began sourcing products from Ajinomoto Frozen Foods U.S.A., Inc., which was established during fiscal 2000. Through thoroughgoing cost reductions and vigorous marketing, the company aims to strengthen its position worldwide in terms of earnings and competitiveness.

 

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