CJ CheilJedang, Korea’s largest food maker, said Monday that it will establish the world’s first methionine plant in Malaysia next year. 

In April, CJ sealed a deal with France-based chemical firm Arkema to make an investment of more than $400 million in Kerteh, Terengganu State of Malaysia.

If the plant, which will have a capacity of 80,000 tons annually, is completed as scheduled, the production of methionine is expected to start from late 2013, the company said.

Methionine is a primary protein amino acid which is used in animal feed additives, food additives, flavor enhancers and artificial sweeteners. Global sales of the substance amount to $4 billion won a year.

The demand for methionine has risen in recent years, especially in emerging markets like China, in which meat consumption is fast growing.

As the plant is located in the eastern seashore of Malaysia, the company expected its exports to China and other Asian countries will enjoy geographic benefits.

CJ, which is also a global market leader in production of nucleic acids and lysine, plans to strengthen its dominance with the new methionine plant.

“In order to expand our global business in bioscience, it’s essential to have the production system of four major amino acid used for animal feed additives (lysine, threonine, tryptophan and methionine),” said CEO Kim Chul-ha.

“CJ CheilJedang’s methionine, which is produced by an eco-friendly technology, will create a positive sensation in the global market.”

By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldcorp.com)