News & Events

Makhteshim Agan Industries Ltd. today announced that it is expanding its Israeli operations by opening a new production facility based on a unique chemical process for aroma fine chemicals products. The process was jointly developed at Ben- Gurion University of the Negev's Blechner Center for Industrial Catalysis and Process Development by a research team headed by Prof. Moti Herskowitz.

The facility, located at the Makhteshim site in Ramat Hovav, Israel will be used for the production of the Aleol product line, which will be released later this year. The new operations will strengthen Makhteshim Agan's aroma activities where fine aroma chemicals are developed, produced and marketed to the fragrance industry.

Makhteshim Again said that the facility has been designed and built to the most stringent environmental standards as part of the company's commitment to environmental protection by using advanced production technologies in these fields. The initial production process was jointly developed by Makhteshim Agan and Ben-Gurion University and was later licensed to the company Ben-Gurion University's technology transfer company BGN Technologies.

Makhteshim Agan president and CEO Erez Vigodman said, "With this step Makhteshim Agan has proven its commitment to provide efficient and effective solutions for its customers through technological advancements, production excellence and environmental leadership. I believe that Israel's competitive advantage in our sector is driven by innovation and creativity in R&D resulting in leading products and manufacturing processes. We will continue to strengthen and invest in such capabilities in Israel."

BGN Technologies CEO Neta Cohen said, "The launch of this facility is further proof of the significant added value academic research centers bring to joint ventures with commercial bodies. As a leading academic institution located in Beer-sheva Israel, we are particularly proud to contribute to the continued building and employment in the Negev."

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on June 25, 2012