Intervet to streamline U.S. animal healthcare operations with a new integrated facility in DeSoto, Kansas

Intervet to streamline U.S. animal healthcare operations with a new integrated facility in DeSoto, Kansas Arnhem, the Netherlands, March 7, 2001 - Intervet has chosen its site in DeSoto, Kansas, for the construction of a state-of-the-art facility that will serve as the regional R&D, production and administrative center in the Mid-west of the U.S.A. The total investment will amount to EUR 40 mln (USD 37 mln). Following its recent acquisitions of Hoechst Roussel Vet, Bio-Trends International and Bayer's North American biologicals business, Intervet currently operates 12 locations in the U.S.A. The completion of the new integrated facility in DeSoto will significantly streamline U.S. operations by enabling the number of U.S. core sites to be reduced to a total of three: DeSoto (Kansas), Millsboro (Delaware), and Worthington (Minnesota). "Intervet has already successfully integrated the businesses it has acquired over the past two years. Now we are taking the next logical step: harvesting the economies to be gained by streamlining site operations in the U.S.," said Toon Wilderbeek, General Manager of Intervet. "Streamlining Intervet's site operations in the U.S. is an important element in support of our R&D-driven growth scenario for this key strategic market", commented Paul Brons, member of Akzo Nobel's Board of Management responsible for the healthcare businesses. The new facility in DeSoto, to be built on 125 hectares (315 acres) currently containing only a research farm, will comprise 20,000 square meters (215, 000 square feet) of buildings for offices, R&D, production, and warehousing. Construction is scheduled to begin mid-2001 and be completed by mid-2004. Upon completion the facility will offer employment to 170 people. - - - Note for the editor Intervet, headquartered in Boxmeer, the Netherlands, is focused on the research, development, manufacturing and marketing of veterinary products and is an active player in the worldwide animal health market. Products include vaccines for the prevention of infectious diseases, antibiotics, antiparasitics, feed additives and other pharmaceuticals. All of these products are intended for use in a variety of animal species including poultry, pigs, cattle, horses, sheep, goats, fish and pets. Akzo Nobel, based in the Netherlands, serves customers throughout the world with healthcare products, coatings and chemicals. Consolidated sales for 2000 totaled EUR 14 billion (USD 13 billion, GBP 8.5 billion). The Company currently employs 68,400 people in 75 countries. Financial results for the first quarter of 2001 will be announced on Wednesday April 25, 2001. Internet: http://www.akzonobel.com; http://www.intervet.com; http://www.intervetusa.com ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by BIT http://www.bit.se The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2001/03/08/20010308BIT00010/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2001/03/08/20010308BIT00010/bit0001.pdf