Evonik opens new NIR lab for animal nutrition in Nairobi
Essen, Germany. Last week, Evonik inaugurated its first laboratory for its animal nutrition business in Nairobi (Kenya). Equipped with state-of-the-art NIR technology, the facility helps feed producers evaluate their raw materials through accurate analysis of a very wide range of nutrients. Furthermore, analysis of poultry feeds is also covered by this unique service.
The new Evonik laboratory brings vital technical support to the local and regional feed markets. “We hope to extend the best levels of support to our partners not only in Kenya but in the entire East African region including countries like Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia and Rwanda”, said John Owaga, Technical Service Manager for Animal Nutrition in East Africa at Evonik.
Animal nutrition has become a more exact science over the past decades. To formulate feed according to a certain specification requires knowledge about the nutrient contents of all relevant raw materials. Since these vary considerably, it is important to analyse the raw materials on an ongoing basis with latest NIR technology (near-infrared spectroscopy). This ensures high feed quality and keeps feed costs under control.
“At Evonik, we see great potentials in the East African market coming from the double digit growth of the poultry industry in recent years”, commented Cuthbert Mamabolo, Regional Business Director for Animal Nutrition at Evonik.
Five years ago, Evonik established a direct presence in East Africa with a representative office in Kenya. However, the German speciality chemicals producer was active in this region for decades through external distributors. Today, Evonik caters to the feed industry for poultry, dairy, pigs and fish with key products such as MetAMINO®, Biolys®, Ecobiol®, Mepron® and CreAMINO®.
Evonik offers partners unique products and services with great emphasis on technical support that the company tailors to individual customer needs. Hence, opening a laboratory in Kenya is a key strategic decision taken to bring technology closer to the clients and better understand their needs.
About Evonik
Evonik is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. The focus on more specialty businesses, customer-orientated innovative prowess and a trustful and performance-oriented corporate culture form the heart of Evonik’s corporate strategy. They are the lever for profitable growth and a sustained increase in the value of the company. Evonik benefits specifically from its customer proximity and leading market positions. Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world with more than 36,000 employees. In fiscal 2017, the enterprise generated sales of €14.4 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of €2.36 billion.
About Nutrition & Care
The Nutrition & Care segment is led by Evonik Nutrition & Care GmbH and contributes to fulfilling basic human needs. That includes applications for everyday consumer goods as well as animal nutrition and health care. This segment employed about 8,250 employees, and generated sales of around €4.5 billion in 2017.
Disclaimer
In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.