Richards Joins Valent BioSciences Corporation as Plant Manager for new Osage Manufacturing Facility

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OSAGE, IA., October 22, 2013 – Valent BioSciences Corporation (VBC) announced that Karen Richards has joined the company as plant manager for VBC’s state-of-the-art biorational manufacturing facility in Osage, IA. In her new role, Richards will assume responsibility for operations at the $150 million plant, scheduled to come online in the fall of 2014.

VBC is the global leader in the development and commercialization of biorational products, with sales in 95 countries around the world. Biorationals are products typically derived from biological origins that are highly specific in their activity and provide economic, health, and/or environmental benefits. These products include microbial insecticides, fungicides and nematicides as well as plant growth regulators used in seed treatment, production agriculture, postharvest and management of stress in crops.

Richards will report to Tom Green, Vice President, Global Supply Chain and Manufacturing. “Karen comes to VBC with a history of success in several key areas,” Green said. “Her wealth of experience in fermentation technology combined with a demonstrated, results-driven approach to leadership and operational excellence positions VBC well for continued growth in the future.”

Prior to her role at VBC, Richards established a career in manufacturing that included direct responsibility for operations, quality control, engineering, maintenance, planning, buying, and adherence to Environmental Health and Safety Guidelines with one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical manufacturers. Karen earned her BS degree in chemical engineering from Purdue University and holds numerous certifications including Lean and Six Sigma.

“VBC’s investment in Osage is a testament to its commitment to its broad range of customers in agriculture, public health, and forestry around the world,” Richards said. “With accelerated growth forecast for its existing portfolio and several exciting new products in the pipeline, the need for superior manufacturing at VBC has never been greater.” Richards said. “I am excited to join the organization and look forward to helping VBC build on its reputation for producing only the highest quality biorational products.”

VBC has hired a total of 30 employees in Osage thus far. Another 31 employees will be hired over the next few months.

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About Valent BioSciences Corporation
Headquartered in Libertyville, IL, Valent BioSciences is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sumitomo Chemical Company. Valent BioSciences is the worldwide leader in the development, manufacturing and commercialization of biorational products, with sales in 95 countries around the world. Valent BioSciences is an ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company. For additional information, visit the company’s website at www.valentbiosciences.com.

Media Contact:
Rick Melnick
Valent BioSciences Corporation
847-968-4750
Email: rick.melnick@valentbiosciences.com

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