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Wakunaga of America opens expanded production plant
The Mission Viejo-based probiotics firm plans to add up to 200 jobs at the new facility in Mira Loma over the course of the year.
By Caitlin AdamsPublished: January 27, 2011 02:05 PM
Mission Viejo-based pharmaceutical and probiotics firm Wakunaga of America today is celebrating the opening of its new manufacturing plant in Mira Loma, where it plans to add up to 200 jobs over the course of the year.
The new 53,000-square-foot multifunctional facility is built next to the company’s existing garlic-aging operations and offices, and includes expanded production and distribution capacities, as well as laboratories and quality control, packaging, shipping and storage function areas. The plant occupies 8 acres.
“We have been growing so steadily in the last 10 years that we had to expand our operational capabilities to meet consumer demand for our products, especially our Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract,” said Kenro Nakamura, president and CEO of Wakunaga of America.
The 40-year-old corporation is a subsidiary of Japan's Wakunaga Pharmaceutical Co., and is among the world’s largest producers and suppliers of aged garlic extract, medicinal herbal supplements, probiotics and other nutritional products. Some of its most popular items include the best-selling Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract, Kyo-Dophilus, Kyo-Green and Moducare brands. Most of the company’s products are designed to promote or enhance cardiovascular, immune and digestive health.
Nakamura attributes the company’s recent growth to the fact that more people are taking preventative measures toward their overall health. The company’s products are currently sold in every state and 45 countries.
“Our customers know that our thoroughly researched and tested products will improve their quality of life,” Nakamura said. ”And our more than 10 percent sales growth during the last few years, in what has been a very challenging economy, is a vivid testament to the effectiveness of our products and our customers’ trust.”
The new jobs and a fully updated probiotics production facility with state-of-the art operations also are a boon to the region, which, like much of the state, is in need of an economic boost.
“Riverside County is delighted to have Wakunaga of America in Mira Loma," added Tom Freeman, the county's foreign trade commissioner. "This company is hiring local workers, investing in Riverside County and is able to export to 40-plus nations from the county."
Today's private grand opening festivities include self-guided tours of the new plant, short speeches from senior company executives, officials from Riverside County, the consul general of Japan and other VIPs. The highlight of the day is the “sake barrel breaking ceremony,” a Japanese tradition in which Wakunaga staff and guests break open the lids of 22-inch sake barrels with wooden mallets. The sake is then served before a special toast.
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The new 53,000-square-foot multifunctional facility is built next to the company’s existing garlic-aging operations and offices, and includes expanded production and distribution capacities, as well as laboratories and quality control, packaging, shipping and storage function areas. The plant occupies 8 acres. “We have been growing so steadily in the last 10 years that we had to expand our operational capabilities to meet consumer demand for our products, especially our Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract,” said Kenro Nakamura, president and CEO of Wakunaga of America. The 40-year-old corporation is a subsidiary of Japan's Wakunaga Pharmaceutical Co., and is among the world’s largest producers and suppliers of aged garlic extract, medicinal herbal supplements, probiotics and other nutritional products. Some of its most popular items include the best-selling Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract, Kyo-Dophilus, Kyo-Green and Moducare brands. Most of the company’s products are designed to promote or enhance cardiovascular, immune and digestive health. Nakamura attributes the company’s recent growth to the fact that more people are taking preventative measures toward their overall health. The company’s products are currently sold in every state and 45 countries. “Our customers know that our thoroughly researched and tested products will improve their quality of life,” Nakamura said. ”And our more than 10 percent sales growth during the last few years, in what has been a very challenging economy, is a vivid testament to the effectiveness of our products and our customers’ trust.” The new jobs and a fully updated probiotics production facility with state-of-the art operations also are a boon to the region, which, like much of the state, is in need of an economic boost. “Riverside County is delighted to have Wakunaga of America in Mira Loma," added Tom Freeman, the county's foreign trade commissioner. "This company is hiring local workers, investing in Riverside County and is able to export to 40-plus nations from the county." Today's private grand opening festivities include self-guided tours of the new plant, short speeches from senior company executives, officials from Riverside County, the consul general of Japan and other VIPs. The highlight of the day is the “sake barrel breaking ceremony,” a Japanese tradition in which Wakunaga staff and guests break open the lids of 22-inch sake barrels with wooden mallets. The sake is then served before a special toast. Related headlines Amerita acquires San Antonio infusion maker Costa Mesa law firm creates new specialty branch Local.com forms social-buying business unit |
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