Makhteshim Agan Launches New Formulation Plant in India

TEL-AVIV, Israel and HYDERABAD, India, July 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Formulation and Packaging Facility to Serve MAI's Growing Activities in India

The Makhteshim Agan Group (MAI) (TASE: MAIN) parent of Makhteshim Agan India, today announced the launch of a new formulation and packaging plant in Dahej - the hub of India's chemical industry. The plant will serve the needs of MAI's fast growing plant protection business in India, as well as other markets served by the company in the APAC and Africa region.

"The launch of our new formulation and packaging plant in Dahej marks an important milestone in the development and evolution of MAI as a whole and especially in our APAC, Africa & ME region, commented Erez Vigodman, President & CEO of MAI.

"The plant will enhance our platform in India, which also includes an R&D center, and strengthen our growing activity in this important market. The addition of local formulation and packaging capabilities will simplify our supply chain in India and allow us to be even closer to our customers in this strategic market.

This launch joins other measures we have taken in Asia over the last two years and will support our continued profitable growth in Asia as a whole and in India specifically."

A joint global team of Indian and Israeli professionals contributed to an efficient construction process that was initiated in October 2010. The plant's advanced production capabilities and stringent quality control mechanisms have been designed to meet the global quality standards of the Group. The plant will focus on fulfilling the needs of Indian farmers specializing in market specific formulations and small packages.

Ran Maidan, CEO of MAI's APAC, Africa & ME region added, "we are pleased to announce the launch of our new Dahej plant. Formulating and packaging our products on a local basis will better enable us to meet the needs of our growing customer base in India and provide us with greater operational flexibility in the region."

Josef Goldshmidt, CEO of MAI India concluded, "thanks our ability to provide comprehensive solutions to farmers, we have become a leading crop protection player in India. The professional approach and passion of our team drives our successful penetration to this important and growing market. The addition of formulation and packaging capabilities will enhance our flexibility and customer service."

Makhteshim-Agan India, provides local farmers with MAI's broad portfolio of crop protection products through an extensive logistics infrastructure that includes over 35 warehouses located throughout the country. The Indian subsidiary also operates a research and development center in Hyderabad.

About Makhteshim Agan Group

Makhteshim Agan Industries Ltd is a leading manufacturer and distributor worldwide of crop-protection products and the largest generic player in the sector. The Company supplies efficient solutions to farmers that assist them in combating disease and increase yields. In 2010 the Company's sales revenues were over USD 2.37 billion, and it is ranked number 7 in the world agro-chemicals sector. The Company is characterized by its know-how, high-level technological-chemical abilities, expertise in product registration, and observance of strict standards of environmental protection, stringent quality control and global marketing and distribution channels. For more information visit us at http://www.ma-industries.com

Contacts
Rony Patishi-Chillim
Head of Global Corporate Communication
+972-73-2321119

SOURCE Makhteshim Agan Industries Ltd

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