On 9 September 2004, Bob Hartmayer, Chief Operating Officer (COO), openedthe world's largest vitamin E plant in Sisseln, Switzerland. "Through thisinvestment, DSM demonstrates its strong commitment to the industry and ourcustomers, and once again confirms our position as the global leader inNutritional Ingredients", said Bob Hartmayer, COO of DSM NutritionalProducts. The world's most advanced vitamin E manufacturing facilityfurther strengthens the DSM Nutritional Products position as world marketleader in the production of vitamins for the feed, food, pharmaceuticaland cosmetics industries.

The new factory has the capacity to produce approximately 25,000 tons ofvitamin E a year. Paul Gilgen, head of the global Technical Departmentsaid: "This new facility will meet the stringent industry demands forquality by ISO certification and includes systems to monitor full producttraceability." The new production facility with integrated process controland the on-site analytical laboratory will monitor quality aspects,provide analytical services and meetgrowing customer needs.

Vitamin E

Vegetable oils (peanut, soya, palm, corn, safflower, sunflower, etc.) andwheat germ are the most important natural sources of vitamin E. Vitamin Eplays an important role in protecting the fat molecules in cell membranesand the blood. Without vitamin E, the oxygen in aggressive molecules,called free radicals, could damage these polyunsaturated fat molecules.Oxidized fat molecules can harm body tissues over long periods of time.Owing to its potent antioxidant properties in the body, vitamin E has astabilizing effect on vitamin A, various hormones and enzymes. It alsoplays an essential role in protecting cell membranes.

Together with vitamin A and vitamin C it forms the trio of antioxidantvitamins now believed to have a preventive effect on degenerative diseasessuch as cardiovascular disease or cancer. In animals, vitamin E isinvolved in reproduction, and has an immunomodulatory effect. Furthermore,meat and fish flesh from vitamin E-supplemented animals are protectedagainst rancid deterioration.

DSM vitamin E

DSM vitamin E is available as tocopherol or tocopheryl acetate, as oil orseveral different types of solid product forms, for feed, food,pharmaceutical and cosmetic use. Through extensive research anddevelopment, DSM Nutritional Products is now able to offer the highestquality of vitamin E.

DSM Nutritional Products

DSM Nutritional Products, the successor to Roche's Vitamins & FineChemicals Division, is the world's leading supplier of vitamins,carotenoids and other fine chemicals to the feed, food, pharmaceutical andcosmetic industries. The company will maintain its tradition as a pioneerin the discovery of new products, new formulations and attractiveapplications for all industry segments. For further information pleasevisit www.dsmnutritionalproducts.com.