Ajinomoto in Limeira: 40 years of innovation and growth

Unit celebrates anniversary with expansions, improvements and new production line of industrial supplies

In 1977, Anhanguera road (Km 131) witnessed the arrival what would become one of the world’s main manufacturing plants for the production of food, supplies and amino acids. Ajinomoto was opening its first plant in Brazil, in the city of Limeira, where 258 employees were responsible for supplying the food industry in the country with monosodium glutamate (MSG). A year later, the product manufactured in Brazil would be available in the retail market.

Four decades later, now with over 1,800 employees, the plant, which covers a total area of 1,489,000 m² and a built area of 300,000 m², is the world’s largest producer of MSG. It is also from that plant that the products of the Food (retail and food service) and Agribusiness divisions, as well as the amino acids used in the pharmaceutical, sports and cosmetic industries, are distributed across Brazil and abroad.

To celebrate its 40^th anniversary, the unit further enhances its importance in the company’s business. In addition to manufacturing brands already known by the consumers, such as SAZÓN®, MID® and FIT ™, the plant in Limeira also produces ACTIVA®, one of the main products of the Food Ingredients division, used mainly in the meat industry.

The expansion of the plant in Limeira was made possible as part of the investment package of R$ 325 million, made by Ajinomoto do Brasil between the fiscal years 2014 and 2016, generating 175 new jobs, expanding the current lines of the Food Division and new specialties, always in partnership with Investe SP – the Investment and Export Promotion Agency associated with the Department of Economic Development, Science, Technology and Innovation of the State of São Paulo, which provides all the necessary support for the implementation of these investments.

“The unit in Limeira is fundamental to the operations of Ajinomoto do Brasil in the world,” said Carlos Takata, Industrial Director of the unit. “In addition to the great supply of raw materials and workforce, the region in which it is located is strategic because it facilitates the production flow and ensures the supply of the domestic and foreign markets.”

“This is already the second expansion of Ajinomoto with our support in São Paulo, which shows the company’s confidence in the development of the state and the importance of our consumer market,” says Sérgio Costa, Director of Investe SP.

Producing approximately 150,000 tons per year, the plant in Limeira is also responsible for placing the Brazilian unit among the three most important units of the Ajinomoto Group outside of Japan, exporting products to countries in Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

Next triennium

With the expectation that the economy will show signs of recovery, Ajinomoto do Brasil works to remain growing and investing in the country in the coming years to meet the needs of Brazilian consumers.

The company’s main commitments are to contribute to the world’s food and wellness, so that everyone has a better life in the future, and for this, Ajinomoto relies on cutting-edge bioscience and technology. The other highlight is to help solve social issues and generate the creation of economic value, which is internally called Ajinomoto Shared Value (ASV).

Between 2017-2019, the company has an investment package of more than R$ 400 million, which will be invested in the plants for the expansion of production, automation, among others.

“By investing in our units, we can contribute to the strengthening and growth of the economy, in addition to improving our sustainability projects. With this, we hope to strengthen our relationship with the cities where we operate and put the company’s values into practice,” concludes Takata.

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