Area company named top exporter

The Missouri Department of Agriculture recently recognized Forsyth-based National Enzyme Co. as the Agriculture Exporter of the Year.

"It's an honor to receive the award. It's nice recognition for the work we've been doing," said Tony Collier, president and CEO of National Enzyme Co. "It will mean increased international sales, because we'll use this award at our international shows."

Agriculture Department Director Jon Hagler visited Springfield April 14 to present the award to the company at Missouri State University, where he met with Charles Amidon, chief operating officer for National Enzyme Co.; Belinda McCarthy, MSU provost; and Tara Horton, MSU Small Business & Technology Development Center training coordinator, according to a news release.

National Enzyme Co., which specializes in developing enzyme blends for dietary supplements, exported approximately $5.5 million in product during fiscal 2010, Collier said.

Missouri's total export figure was $12.9 billion during 2010, a 35 percent increase compared to the previous year. Agricultural export sales were $421 million during 2010, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.

National Enzyme Co. has been in business for more than 75 years, three decades of which it has operated out of Forsyth, according to the release.

The 110-employee company produces a number of enzyme ingredients, which add vitamins and medicinal qualities to products such as antacids, according to its Web site.

Its international sales team is able to conduct business in English, Portuguese, Spanish, Taiwanese and Mandarin.[[In-content Ad]]