German chemicals firm BASF recently completed an expansion of its feed enzymes production facility in Ludwigshafen, Germany, enabling it to increase the number of fermentation runs at the site each year.

“With this capacity expansion, BASF addresses the needs of our customers through investments and product innovation,” Michael De Marco, vice president global business management, Enzymes for BASF, said in a January 26 release. “This underlines our commitment to meeting the increasing demand of our customers around the globe.”

The location’s additional capacity allows BASF to serve feed producers’ growing needs for feed enzymes. Its brands Natuphos E (phytase), Natugrain TS (xylanase and glucanase), and Natupulse TS (mannanase) are manufactured at the plant.

Enzymes are used as an additive to increase the efficiency and sustainability of animal feed, as well as to reduce cost. BASF said it expects the market to continue to grow over the next few years as animal protein consumption increases and producers look for lower priced feed.

A number of major food and chemicals firms have made feed-related investments in recent months. American agribusiness Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) unveiled a new animal nutrition research and development laboratory in Rolle, Switzerland in November that will develop new feed additives for use in pet food, aquaculture, and livestock applications. Health and nutrition solutions firm Royal DSM inked an agreement toward the end of 2021 to purchase Norway-based Vestkorn Milling, a manufacturer of proteins, starches, and dietary fibers used in plant-based foods, animal feed, and pet foods. Eastman Chemical Co. announced plans last May to acquire 3F Feed & Food, a European firm that develops and commercializes additives for animal feed and human food.