SD Guthrie International Expands Liverpool Facility with New Enzymatic Interesterification Line

SD Guthrie International (SDGI), the downstream arm of SD Guthrie Berhad (Guthrie), has expanded its manufacturing capabilities in Liverpool, United Kingdom, with a new Enzymatic Interesterification (EIE) line.

The facility features two independent EIE production lines, each with a capacity of up to 20,000 tonnes, supported by new storage tanks, a loading bay, weighbridge and effluent treatment plant.

Advanced Enzymatic Processing for Sustainable Manufacturing

EIE is a process that uses enzymes to selectively rearrange fatty acids within a fat structure. Interesterification can be carried out using either chemical or enzymatic methods, with the facility utilising an enzyme-based process. The new production line has been designed to operate under milder processing conditions while eliminating the need for post-treatment, helping to improve process efficiency and reduce effluent generation and overall environmental impact.

Richard Town, Chief Operations Officer (Manufacturing) of SDGI, said the plant would enable the company to deliver tailored palm-based fat solutions with greater precision.

“This is across a wide range of applications. These include margarines and spreads requiring smoothness, spreadability and controlled melting; bakery fats requiring structure, aeration and consistent performance; biscuit fillings and confectionery requiring stability, controlled melting and desired mouthfeel; and speciality fats designed for customised applications. This expanded capability strengthens our ability to respond to customers’ evolving needs, while enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of our manufacturing operations,” he said.

Strengthening the Palm Oil Value Chain in the UK

Mohd Haris Mohd Arshad, President & Group Chief Executive Officer of Guthrie, said the company’s strength lies in its presence across the palm oil value chain, from upstream and midstream to downstream.

“Investments like this allow us to build on that integrated model by transforming the palm oil we produce into higher-value, specialised solutions for our customers. The new EIE facility is about more precision and more possibilities. More precision in how we develop products with specific functional characteristics, and more possibilities to help our customers meet evolving market demands.

“At the same time, it strengthens our downstream capabilities, supports our sustainability ambitions under our “Beyond Zero” framework and enables us to capture greater value across the chain while responding more effectively to customer needs,” he added.

The expansion reinforces Guthrie’s focus on maximising the versatility of palm-based oils and fats. The new EIE line enhances the Group’s capability to develop fat systems with precise functional characteristics, giving food manufacturers greater flexibility in designing products for different applications and performance requirements. The facility also strengthens service to UK customers through local production and can help reduce the overall carbon footprint associated with supplying the UK market.

The investment also complements SDGI’s existing manufacturing capabilities and supports the Group’s ambition to strengthen its downstream business through technology, innovation and the development of higher-value products.

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