The new facility includes a state-of-the-art factory with production housed in a controlled environment, an application technology center, R&D laboratories for colors and flavors, a quality control laboratory, a warehouse and offices.
The facility will improve service to local food and beverage manufacturers, and significantly boost lead times, said chief executive Kenneth Manning.
“This new facility will enhance Sensient’s ability to participate in the expected growth of the Brazilian market. Sensient entered the Brazilian market in 2003 in Sao Paulo. This additional investment further supports our confidence in Brazil’s prospects and the potential of the South American market.”
Third quarter results
Sensient, which recently opened a new CO2 extraction plant at its flavors HQ in Indianapolis, posted a 12.3% rise in diluted earnings per share to 64 cents for the third quarter ended September 30, 2011.
Its colors business reported a 6.8% rise in sales to $121m, driven by growth in natural colors, while operating income surged 14.2% to $22.9m.
Meanwhile, a strong performances from US flavors helped Sensient’s flavors & fragrances division post a 6.7% rise in sales to $221.2m and a 4.5% rise in operating profit to $33.6m.