Balchem expands VitaCholine production in U.S.
Production capacity for VitaCholine choline will increase 50% by year’s end.
Balchem (Montvale, NJ) is significantly expanding production capacity for its flagship VitaCholine choline ingredient. VitaCholine's production facility is being upgraded to increase output by 50% in the U.S., the firm says.
The facility’s expansion was completed in August 2023, and Balchem says it plans to be fully operational by the end of this year. The facility was expanded by almost 2,230 sq m and was also upgraded with new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. “The new installations will also result in improved air quality and process consistency to optimize the regulation of heat and humidity, for higher-quality solutions,” the company’s press release states. Many manual handling and packaging processes were also automated.
This expansion is the result of increased global demand for VitaCholine—for choline in general—Balchem said.
The company adds: “This surge of interest is driven by consumers becoming increasingly aware of the numerous health benefits delivered by this ingredient, including supporting cognitive health….Taking a closer look at choline, clinical studies have shown that this ingredient can play a critical role throughout all stages of life.” This includes improving cognitive processing speeds during pregnancy and early childhood development. Also, Balchem said, choline’s benefits may apply to adults as well.
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