ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Huber Engineered Materials (HEM), a division of J.M. Huber Corporation, announces an expansion of its Quincy, Illinois manufacturing operations to accommodate additional capacity for calcium carbonate granulation production for its Health & Nutrition business unit. It is expected the new addition will become operational in second quarter 2012 and generate nearly 10,000 metric tons of calcium carbonate granulation annually to serve the dietary supplement and pharmaceutical markets. The expansion will be integrated into the existing HuberCal® calcium carbonate milling operations and significantly increase GMP capabilities at the Quincy site. It is expected 10 new positions will be created.
"This is a major step forward for Huber Health & Nutrition, as we continue to grow our calcium carbonate granulation business," says Minas Apelian, Ph.D., Vice President and General Manager of Huber's Health & Nutrition business. "As customer demand at our Modesto (California) operation has grown steadily, we have been evaluating various expansion options. The Quincy location, where ground calcium carbonate is manufactured, is an ideal option since it's strategically located for customers in the eastern U.S. Logistical and economical efficiencies will be created such as responsive and shortened transit times and freight cost savings."
The calcium carbonate granulation to be manufactured in Quincy will mirror that of the granulation line at HEM's Modesto plant, as products will be produced with the same characteristics to facilitate ease of customer qualification. With the Quincy addition, HEM becomes the only North American calcium carbonate granulation supplier with two manufacturing sites, which brings added sourcing security for customers.
To lead the expansion efforts in Quincy, Huber has hired Hugh McCoy as Project Manager to oversee the expansion. Once the expansion becomes operational, McCoy will assume the duties of Plant Manager. McCoy brings over 30 years of food and pharmaceutical experience to Huber.
"Huber is fortunate to get a person of Hugh's caliber to lead our expansion effort and manage the granulation facility," says Apelian. "This project is obviously going to be instrumental in the continued growth of Huber Health & Nutrition, and Hugh will be a major contributor to our future success."
Huber Health & Nutrition is the only calcium carbonate granulation supplier that also produces calcium carbonate powder. Huber also recently received its California drug manufacturing license for the Modesto facility and will continue to produce active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) at Quincy. Huber Health & Nutrition is a leading supplier of other nutritional ingredients to the fortified food and dietary supplement markets. Huber offers a number of processing capabilities and services, including fluid bed granulation, blending, custom granulations, triturations and contract manufacturing. Those interested in learning more about Huber Health & Nutrition can visit www.hubermaterials.com or contact Nick Kalfas, Global Director of Sales, at 610-838-6871 or Scott Marsi, Director of Commercial Development, at 609-713-0254.
About Huber Engineered Materials
Huber Engineered Materials, headquartered in Atlanta, GA, develops engineered specialty ingredients that enhance the performance, appeal and processing of a broad range of products used in industrial, paper and consumer-based applications. Its inorganic expertise has resulted in advancing the art in specialty silica and silicates, alumina trihydrate, magnesium hydroxide, barium sulfate and natural calcium carbonate. For more information, see www.hubermaterials.com.
About J.M. Huber Corporation
J.M. Huber Corporation, headquartered in Edison, NJ, is a diversified, multinational supplier of engineered materials, natural resources and technology-based services to customers spanning many industries from paper and energy to plastics and construction. J.M. Huber Corporation is one of the largest family-owned companies in the United States. The company offers total solutions in inorganic chemistry, engineered wood composites and other specialties. For more information, see www.huber.com.
Contacts
Huber Engineered Materials
Keith Sorrell, 678-247-2730
keith.sorrell@huber.com