INDIANAPOLIS, Dec. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Vertellus Specialties Inc. ("Vertellus" or the "Company") announced today that its new 10,000 metric ton 3-cyanopyridine manufacturing unit at Vertellus' production facility in Nantong, Jiangsu, China recently started commercial production. This unit is a continuation of a larger effort to expand production capacity in Nantong and a key element of Vertellus' Asian growth strategy. This capacity increase will accelerate market development in Asia - especially in China - and will help maintain Vertellus' position as the largest producer of cyanopyridines in the world.
"This startup is an important step for Vertellus Asia and a milestone in Vertellus' plan for continued growth throughout the pyridine value chain," said Rich Preziotti, CEO of Vertellus Specialties Inc. "The demand for pyridine derivatives including Vitamin B3 and 3-cyanopyridine has increased significantly worldwide and particularly in Asia. We intend to maintain our technology and market leadership position in pyridine chemistry and have developed an aggressive strategic plan to continue to grow our presence in China. We are strengthening our ability to serve customers across Asia."
Vertellus' investment in 3-cyanopyridine production builds on the Company's successful pyridine and picolines enterprise, Nantong Reilly Chemicals Company (NRCC), which was the first pyridine and picolines production facility of its kind in China, established in 2001. Vertellus purchased the remaining shares held by its joint venture partner, Nantong Acetic Acid Chemical Co., Ltd., on December 6, 2010 and is now the sole owner of NRCC. Vertellus' world class 3-cyanopyridine plant in Nantong will incorporate the latest, most efficient and environmentally sound technologies available, enabling Vertellus to maintain its global cost leadership position in manufacturing 3-cyanopyridine.
About Vertellus Specialties Inc.
Vertellus is a specialty chemicals company focused on the manufacture of ingredients used in pharmaceuticals, personal care, nutrition, and agriculture markets. Vertellus is the world's largest producer of pyridine and picolines, specialty pyridine derivatives, DEET and castor oil derivatives and systems, and the world's second largest producer of Vitamin B-3 and citrate polymer additives and systems. Vertellus benefits from a technically advanced global manufacturing base, has approximately 800 employees worldwide, and is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. For more information, visit www.vertellus.com.
Contact:
Scott Smith
Vertellus Specialties
+1-317-248-6517
Roland Tomforde
Broadgate Consultants
+1-212-232-2222
