The completion and successful
FDA pre-approval inspection of a new 13-million Dollar plant
and QC laboratory in Galena, Kansas/
USA, has been announced by the
fine chemicals
Business Unit of
Degussa AG, Duesseldorf/
Germany. Designed for production of the
biorational ectoparasiticide (S)-Methoprene on behalf of Wellmark International, the 1,000
square meter facility was constructed over a three year period. The plant is operated by
Jayhawk Fine Chemicals (Galena, Kansas), a Degussa subsidiary.
The new plant, which features a multi-vessel reactor system and filter dryer, has been
designed for flexibility of use, with the capacity to produce further insect growth regulating
hormone analogues in the future. The project also included construction of a new control
room, cooling tower, chilled
water system, electrical substation,
nitrogen supply and a
water treatment unit. As Methoprene production is a multi-step, complex process, tracking
the movement of
raw materials to finished product within the plant is highly automated and
features a state-of-the-art Distributed Control System (DCS).
The plant was commissioned in the first part of 2001, prior to a successful pre-approval
inspection by the FDA.
Jay Janis, President of Jayhawk Fine Chemicals commented: "We as Degussa Fine
Chemicals are proud to have this world-class production facility. The expansion at the
Jayhawk site was triggered by the projected demands of a key business partner coupled
with our commitment to the expansion of both capacity and product offering."