Explosives and speciality chemicals holding company AECI identified the food chemicals sector as a strategic growth area and has thus restructured its Lake International Technologies and Chemisphere Technologies businesses.

Lake International Technologies is a diversified manufacturer and distributor of food- ingredient products, surfactants for the explosives and fertiliser industries and chemical raw materials for local manufacturers.

It will be restructured into two standalone businesses – Lake Foods, comprising Food Solu- tions, Cobito and Afoodable, and Lake Chemi- cals, comprising surfactants and chemicals. The perlite business of Infigro Natural Technologies, currently part of Chemisphere Technologies, will also be incorporated into Lake Foods.

AECI says that greater focus by the food and chemicals businesses on their own clients and brand and market identities under the Lake banner will enhance its ability to increase growth opportunities.

The restructuring of Infigro will allow the Chemisphere Technologies team to focus on its pulp and paper and leather-treatment businesses. Investment in Lake Foods is expected to build the AECI group’s position in relevant markets. Simultaneously, Lake Chemicals is expected to maintain its performance momentum by providing value- add and innovative solutions for customers requiring surfactant and mining emulsions.

Lake International Technologies director Tracey Davies has been appointed Lake Foods MD and Industrial Urethanes MD Gavin Gerber has been appointed MD of Lake Chemicals.

Its operational and finance platforms will be retained and will service both businesses, which will continue to operate from the Linbro Park head office, in Sandton. There will be no change in the location of subsidiaries and operations.

Lake International Technologies has grown significantly in recent years.