Layn to complete construction of new facility and Global Sweetener Innovation Center in August

Natural sweetener producer Layn has announced that construction of its new production facility and Global Sweetener Innovation Center will be completed by August.

The company began construction of its new facility in January.

Upon completion, the facility will enable Layn to increase its annual production capacity of stevia and monk fruit extract by more than four times.

The facility will feature advanced technology and equipment that will not only enhance yields, but also help to maintain product consistency and reduce waste.

Layn's new plant will manufacture powder extract and liquid concentrates of natural sweeteners with a focus on proprietary blends.

For its Shanghai-based Global Sweetener Innovation Center, the company intends to hire a team of nearly 15 members.

This centre will focus on the development of new sweeteners, flavours, formulations and patents for new ingredients, as well as serve as the headquarters for Layn's existing formulation and product development team in North America.

Layn USA president Elaine Yu said: "As one of the pioneers in the natural high-intensity sweetener industry for two decades, we've seen a significant increase in the demand from our international customer base.

"In today's environment of increasing government regulation and consumer awareness around the foods they eat, it's important that we provide the best sweetener solutions today with an eye to innovation for tomorrow.

“Layn is dedicated to offering these unique and innovative products to our customers. Our facility and the Global Innovation Center position Layn as the full-service one-stop-shop for anyone wanting to use natural sweeteners."