US – Food additive manufacturer, Bartek, has commenced the construction of the world’s largest and most technologically advanced malic and food-grade fumaric acid production plant for CAD$175 million (approx. US$130.6 million) in the Province of Ontario.
Malic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid found in certain fruits and wines that is mainly used as a preservative in most food companies while Fumaric acid or trans-butenedioic acid, a white crystalline chemical compound widely found in nature, is used to impact a persistent, long-lasting sourness and flavor.
According to Bartek, the facility will double the company’s capacity and provide advanced production capabilities, allowing it and the Province to remain the global market leader in these vital products, and to accelerate product and process innovation efforts.
The new facility is expected to be the most environmentally sustainable plant in the industry and is projected to reduce per unit GHG emissions by more than 80 percent.
In addition, Bartek plans to lead its competitors in the application of advanced manufacturing principles, enabling continuous improvement and process innovation.
John Burrows, president and CEO at Bartek, said: “We are thrilled to be breaking ground on our new state-of-the-art facility, which will set a new global benchmark for safety, efficiency, and environmental performance”.
“We are pleased to be investing in the community of Stoney Creek and proud to play an integral part in supporting local industries and the local economy. We are thankful for our partnerships with the provincial and federal government and Environment Hamilton and their support and guidance throughout the process.”
Construction of the facility, which is slated to be operational at the beginning of 2024, will inject $100 million into the local economy and will be a growth generator for decades to come – supporting meaningful jobs in Stoney Creek and providing training in the job skills of the future for employees.
Vic Fedeli, minister of economic development, job creation, and trade congratulated everyone at Bartek Ingredients on the will to ensure that the company can continue to expand and create well-paying jobs in Hamilton and the surrounding region.
Headquartered in Stoney Creek, Canada, Bartek has been around since 1969 and serves a network of global distributors in more than 40 countries through two production facilities in Southern Ontario. The company employs 120 people across the two production facilities.
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