Ajinomoto unveils Indonesian joint venture

Japanese cosmetic ingredients company Ajinomoto has unveiled a joint venture with Indonesian chemical company PT Lautan Luas Tbk (LTL). Western Java based PT Lautan Ajinomoto Fine Ingredients will use amino acids to manufacture cosmetic ingredients, especially for Asia customers. A plant in the Bekasi Regency district will begin manufacturing in late 2013, with investments totalling $6m. Ajinomoto currently only manufactures in Japan. It said "since further growth is also expected in emerging markets, particularly in Asia, [it would] increase its current cosmetic ingredients supply capabilities about 30%" through the jv; Indonesia was "a promising location as a market and a source of raw materials such as palm oil."