In an effort to meet growing demand in the Asian market, Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM) is planning to expand its cocoa processing capabilities at its Singapore facility.

Specifically, ADM will add and upgrade processing equipment in an effort to increase productivity and production capacity.

“The expansion of our operations in Singapore marks an increased investment in Asia, which is an important market for our cocoa business,” says Yeong Chye, managing director, ADM Cocoa Asia. “The goal of the project is to increase efficiency and production capacity to support ADM Cocoa’s strategy of expanding cocoa powder volumes and becoming the preferred global provider of cocoa and chocolate solutions.”

The facility in Singapore is currently host to an ADM Cocoa Advantage Center, a technical and R&D resource where customers can collaborate directly with ADM experts on product formulations and applications.

The expansion project will complement ADM’s R&D and product development capabilities in the country.

“By upgrading processes to create more efficient production and leveraging our R&D capabilities, we are strengthening ADM’s ability to serve customers in Asia and beyond,” explains Yeong Chye.

The equipment upgrades will begin in early 2012 and are expected to be completed in the fall of 2012.

For more information, visit www.adm.com.