Alltech Builds Optigen® Production Plant in New Mexico [Clovis, New Mexico] – Due to increasing demand, global animal health and nutrition company Alltech has started construction on its 32nd production facility globally, and 9th North American in one of its fastest growing regions in the United States, "the land of enchantment." The new site will call Clovis, New Mexico home and will be the fifth of its kind to produce one of Alltech's emerging technologies, Optigen®. Optigen, a non-protein nitrogen source originally developed by Cornell University and then later purchased from Agway, has found a niche in today's volatile dairy market. By creating space in the diet, the inclusion of Optigen allows producers to use on-farm feeds and have more flexibility during formulating.With corn prices doubling since last summer and natural disasters and drought impacting this year's planting, the southwest has seen an increasing demand for the protein alternative. The Optigen plant is part of the company's overall growth plan and reinforces its commitment to the Southwest animal feed production industries. Alltech New Mexico first opened its doors in 2008 to support local sales in New Mexico and Western Texas and offer a local distribution site for its growing customer base. Yea-Sacc®1026 Farm Pak 2X, a live yeast culture feed additive and Alltech's signature product, is currently manufactured at the Clovis facility. "The local community has been very welcoming to us, and a physical presence has helped us to strengthen our relationship and better serve the Southwest agriculture industry. We are eager to add this plant to our present facility in Clovis so we can continue to meet the needs of our customers," said Aaron DeHaan, Alltech New Mexico territory sales manager. Clovis, which sprang up as a result of the East-West Railroad, was built in 1909 in the heart of a newly developing farming and ranching region in eastern New Mexico. New Mexico is home to 360,000 dairy cows and 45 percent of the dairy cows reside in Curry and Roosevelt counties. Across the state line, the Panhandle of Texas holds approximately 150,000 cows. Construction should be completed on the Optigen plant by the end of July with product manufacturing starting soon after. At least three people, including one quality control position, will be added to the Alltech New Mexico staff to operate the plant. Also due to increased success in the southwest, the Clovis office plans to expand their sales team on the dairy and beef sides. For more information on any of these positions, please contact Aaron Dehaan at 505-353-2170 or adehaan@alltech.com. Note to the Editor: Founded by Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech is a global animal health and nutrition company with more than 31 years' experience in developing natural products that are scientifically proven to enhance animal health and performance. With more than 2650 employees in 128 countries, the company has developed a strong regional presence in Europe, North America, Latin America, the Middle-East, Africa and Asia. For further information, visit www.alltech.com. For media assets, visit www.alltech.com/press.