December 10, 2007

Novus opens factory for animal health and nutrition in Brazil

Novus, under control of the Japanese groups Mitsui and Co., Ltd. and Nippon Soda Co., Ltd. , headquartered in USA, opened last week its first factory in Indaiatuba (SP, Brazil), which will manufacture mineral supplements and animal health products.

The factory forms part of the Novus plan to extend its share in the South American market.

In the initial stage, the company will produce raw materials mix imported from the US and Europe. Later, all production would be carried out in Brazil, said Giovanni Gasperoni, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales, Novus International Inc.

The factory has a capacity to process from 300 to 350 tonnes of products monthly, among which are anti-oxidants (a rations preservative) and organic mineral supplements - used in rations of cattle, poultry and swine.

Gasperoni estimates that in two years, sales would reach the level that would make it feasible for the factory to double its current capacity.

Novus, with main location in Saint Louis (USA) and worldwide sales of US$600 million a year, has had a presence in Brazil since 1991.

Apart from the US, where Novus is based, the company plans to grow in Brazil, Mexico, India and China.

With its massive meat production, Brazil holds enormous potential, Gasperoni said, adding that the company's goal with the new factory is to export its products to Argentina and Chile, starting from Brazil.

Novus in August broke ground on its US$20 million global headquarters in the Missouri Research Park in St Charles, Missouri, combining its International Research Centre with its global headquarters.