January 30, 2008

NutraCea facility to expand in Phoenix

NutraCea announced plans to expand its Phoenix facility to 100,000 to 125,000 square feet from 50,000 square feet by the end of the third quarter.

The company, which is a leader in stabilized bran nutrient research and dietary supplement development, will update its domestic operations.

Leo Gingras, chief operating officer, said the Phoenix facility expansion reflects strong demand for NutraCea's products.

Gingras added that the new facility would include processing and packaging systems to meet unique customer requirements.

The company will purchase an existing building and construct the equipment. Gingras said that the facility is projected to open by the third quarter.

Meanwhile, NutraCea announced that its Southern Louisiana facility is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter. The facility will have the capacity of up to 30,000 tonnes. The company's facility in Dillon, Montana, US has been running at full capacity since last quarter of 2007.

On January 25, NutraCea agreed with Fortune Financing Overseas to build a new flour mill in Indonesia that will incorporate new technology to stabilize wheat bran.