FMC BioPolymer to Invest $30 Million for Capacity Expansion and Facilities Upgrade of Microcrystalline Cellulose

FMC BioPolymer (Philadelphia) plans to add approximately 5,400 metric tons of Avicel microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) capacity over the next three years. The $30 million expansion and facilities upgrade effort will begin immediately at FMC BioPolymer plants in Newark, DE and Cork, Ireland.

"We intend to continue to build capacity to meet the growing market needs of our pharmaceutical and food customers, and to supply our customers with the highest quality products. We are committed to maintaining our strong worldwide leadership position with Avicel MCC," says Ted Butz, FMC BioPolymer general manager.

Avicel MCC is a highly purified form of cellulose used primarily as a binder in pharmaceutical tablets. The product is also used as a food additive to emulsify, stabilize and thicken frozen desserts, salad dressings and nonfat yogurt, and is used in fat substitute applications.

FMC BioPolymer markets products, systems and services to the pharmaceutical, food and specialty applications industries.

Edited by Wendy Reynolds