SunOpta Completes Second Phase of Oat Fiber Capacity Expansion
TORONTO--March 10, 2004--SunOpta Inc. (SunOpta)
(Nasdaq:STKL)(TSX:SOY) today announced that it has successfully
completed the second phase of its expansion of Canadian Harvest(R) Oat
Fiber production capacity at its Cambridge, Minnesota facility. As
previously announced, the second phase of this expansion, when
combined with the first phase which was previously completed in
December 2003, increases fiber processing capacity by approximately
65% versus the same time a year ago. Total cost for the first two
expansion phases is estimated at $1.2 million.
The Cambridge facility continues to operate on a seven day, 24
hour basis and has been expanded to meet the substantial increase in
the demand for oat fiber due in part to demands for high fiber
products, concerns over obesity and the popularity of the Atkins and
other low carbohydrate diets. Canadian Harvest(R) Oat Fibers are very
low in available carbohydrates and calories. When added to bakery
products, the fibers allow for the production of high fiber and low
carbohydrate breads, pastries, muffins, bagels, tacos and tortillas.
Oat fiber is also used in other categories such as dairy, meat and
snack food products.
The Company continues to assess operational capabilities at both
the Cambridge and Louisville, Kentucky facilities in an effort to
further expand production and optimize processing capabilities.
SunOpta Inc. is an owner/operator of high-growth ethical
businesses, focusing on integrated business models in the natural and
organic food markets. For the last five consecutive years, SunOpta was
included in Profit magazine's 'Profit 100' list of the 100 fastest
growing companies in Canada. The company has three business units: the
SunOpta Food Group, which specializes in sourcing, processing and
distribution of natural and organic food products integrated from seed
through packaged products; the Opta Minerals Group, a producer,
distributor, and recycler of environmentally friendly industrial
materials; and the StakeTech Steam Explosion Group that engineers and
markets clean pulping systems using patented steam explosion
technology. Each of these business units has proprietary products and
services that give it a solid competitive advantage in its sector.
For further information, please contact:
SunOpta Inc.
Jeremy N. Kendall, Chairman & CEO
Steve Bromley, Executive Vice President & COO
Susan Wiekenkamp, Information Officer
Tel: 905-455-2528, ext 103
swiekenkamp@sunopta.com
Website: www.sunopta.com
Note: This news release may contain forward-looking information.
Actual future results may differ materially. The risks, uncertainties,
and other factors that could influence actual results are described in
the Company's annual report to shareholders and in SEC filings.
CONTACT: SunOpta Inc.
Jeremy N. Kendall, Steve Bromley, or Susan Wiekenkamp,
905-455-2528, ext 103
swiekenkamp@sunopta.com
SOURCE: SunOpta Inc.