January 22, 2018

ADM, Vland enter joint agreement for feed enzyme technology
 
 

Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) and Qingdao Vland Biotech Group Co., Ltd. has announced a joint development agreement for the development and commercialisation of enzymes for animal feed applications.

In addition to ADM's research center in Decatur, Illinois, US, ADM will open a new US enzyme research and development lab in California that will directly support activities being undertaken in the joint development agreement. Vland will also conduct research and development in its Qingdao research laboratory, which will be upgraded to a new state-of-the-art facility.

Under the terms of the agreement, both companies will share enzyme-producing strains as a basis for the development of feed enzymes that will improve animal nutrition and health. Products developed under the agreement will be commercialised by both companies.

"This agreement and the opening of our new enzyme lab will significantly enhance our ability to develop products for the fast-growing enzyme market," said Todd Werpy, ADM's chief technology officer. "The agreement will give our research and development team access to new enzyme strains, and the new US-based enzyme research lab will provide us with the resources to use those strains to develop new, state-of-the-art feed enzymes. We're looking forward to adding these capabilities to our already strong array of animal nutrition products and solutions."

"This agreement is another important step as we continue to expand our capabilities in bioactives, including enzymes and novel ingredients for the food, pharmaceutical and animal feed industries," said Vikram Luthar, ADM's president for bioactives. "We are continuing to build our portfolio in order to offer complete and innovative solutions to customers in these exciting and rapidly growing markets."

"As a high-tech enterprise focused on enzymes, Vland is committed to seeking partners around the world to build a global technological innovation system," said Vland president Chen Gang. "This agreement between Vland and ADM to engage in the development of feed enzymes, and the establishment of new research centers in the US and Qingdao, are important steps. We are looking forward to future collaborations and the opportunity to offer effective solutions to customers in this exciting and rapidly growing market."