Lonza to invest in Meta metaldehyde formulation plant

Lonza announced an investment of CHF 5.8 million in a formulation plant for Meta™ metaldehyde. This will enable Lonza to supply its own formulations, allowing the company in the future to serve the market not only with metaldehyde as an active substance, but also with ready-made slug pellets.

The establishment of this formulation plant, which is expected to become operational in the second half of 2012, is part of the Nutrition business unit’s consistent implementation of its strategic focus. The formulation of slug pellets will enable the company to add a further planned link in the value chain toward end-customers.

"By developing ready-made slug pellets, we are building up a distinct and independent position and will be able to create the necessary proximity to the market to drive innovations,” said Roman Quinter, Head of the Nutrition business unit. “With our state-of-the-art formulation plant, we are establishing high quality and safety standards in the molluscicide business and complying with stricter regulatory and environmental requirements.”

Construction of the formulation plant in Visp, Switzerland, will strengthen the site in its strategy to supply technologically demanding products with a high degree of in-house contribution in the areas of technology, processes and patentability.