September 14, 2012

To be able to expand and deliver oilseed solutions throughout the Asia region, California Pellet Mill (CPM) has announced the formation of Crown Asia Engineering.

The wholly-owned company is a result of CPM's acquisition of its joint venture partner's shares in Wuhan Crown Friendship Edible Oil Engineering Company (CFEC).

Beginning in 1991, CFEC served the Chinese oilseed market, designing a commercial extraction unit in China. In 2001, CPM's Crown Iron Works acquired a 60% stake in CFEC, combining the technological assets to better serve the expanding market.

The joint venture has established itself as the leading Chinese oilseed technology company with more than 300 processing installations. Crown Asia plans to expand its Wuhan operations to more fully serve the Asia region with a full complement of process solutions and equipment.

Crown Asia managing director Dan Anderson said the formation of Crown Asia fully aligns the ownership and management philosophies of the former company.

"The new company will be a great benefit to our customers and employees as we continue to develop leading process and equipment solutions throughout the world for preparation, extraction, oil refining and oleochemical systems," Anderson added.