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Ajinomoto Genexine to Invest JPY 2.8 Billion to Build New Plant
for Cell Culture Media for Biopharmaceutical Production in Incheon Metropolitan City, South Korea |
| TOKYO, February 4, 2013 - Ajinomoto Co., Inc. (Ajinomoto Co.) announced today that Ajinomoto Genexine Co., Ltd., its joint venture with Genexine Co., Ltd. (Genexine) of South Korea, will invest approximately KRW 35.0 billion (approximately JPY 2.8 billion) to construct a new plant in the Incheon Free Economic Zone(IFEZ) in South Korea for cell culture media for biopharmaceutical production. The new plant is scheduled to begin full-scale operation in July 2014.
Sophisticated technology is required because the quality of the cell culture media has an impact on the productivity and quality of biopharmaceuticals. Ajinomoto Genexine will supply cell culture media that meet the high level of quality required by introducing Ajinomoto Group technologies and state-of-the-art equipment and establishing a cGMP complied quality control and quality assurance system at the plant. In line with the growth of the biopharmaceutical market, demand for cell culture media used in the production of biopharmaceuticals is also expanding. The size of the world market for cell culture media is estimated to be JPY 100 billion, and demand is expected to grow rapidly in Asia. By establishing a new plant for cell culture media in South Korea, a major market for these products, Ajinomoto Genexine will be the first company in South Korea to manufacture custom cell culture media and offer fast service at customer sites. In addition, Ajinomoto Genexine will supply products globally in cooperation with other Ajinomoto Group companies that are global suppliers of amino acids, a key component of cell culture media. The Ajinomoto Group is pursuing business development in cutting-edge biomedicine as strategic theme, and has positioned the establishment of the new plant as part of that strategy as it works to strengthen the foundation of its cell culture media business. 
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 1,197.3 billion (USD 15.1 billion) in fiscal 2011. For more about Ajinomoto Co. (TYO: 2802), visit www.ajinomoto.com. |
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