Ajinomoto Celebrates 25 Years At Eddyville Complex
Ajinomoto President/CEO Takaaki Nishii and Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds exchanged gifts as part of a 25 year celebration for Ajinomoto.
Eddyville, Iowa – Being successful in business can often be a difficult thing, but when you reach a milestone like 25 years, it’s time to celebrate.
Ajinomoto President/CEO Takaaki Nishii and Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds met Thursday morning to celebrate Ajinomoto’s 25th Anniversary in Iowa.
Reynolds and Nishii exchanged gifts as part of the celebration. Nishii presented an ornate box, while Reynolds presented Nishii with artwork of the Iowa Capitol.
Reynolds said that the administration is working hard to help businesses like Ajinomoto feel confident with their investment into Iowa economy. “I’m just really proud of what we are doing because we want to be a partner. We want to provide an environment where you feel confident.”
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds spoke with Oskaloosa News after meeting with Nishii.
Reynolds spoke about the significant investment Ajinomoto has made in the state of Iowa and southeast Iowa. “To celebrate 25 years, not only of investment but expansion in the state of Iowa. It’s important that they know how much we appreciate them being here, and as he said, and I said, we’re going to continue looking for opportunities to expand that investment.”
“It is a big day for us,” said Jeff Peyton, General Manager of the MSG factory, of the celebration taking place at Ajinomoto. “Since 1993 a lot of things have happened in Eddyville.
Ajinomoto is located north of the Cargill facility near Eddyville, Iowa, and gets the products it needs from that partnership with Cargill.
Ajinomoto produces MSG Unami, which is a taste enhancer used during the cooking process to bring out flavors in food.
The original plant dates back to 1986, while the new facility was completed in 1993.
“A lot of good things are happening. We’re growing. New technology is coming in with all of the support from Japan,” added Peyton. “We see not only 25 years of history, but we see a lot of years going forward.”
The celebration was six months in the making. “We have had some nice dignitaries show their support, and we’re very appreciative of that,” added Peyton.
Some of the other dignitaries attending the celebration included area county supervisors, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, and Congressman Dave Loebsack.
