FAYETTEVILLE, NC— Nitta Gelatin broke ground November 1, 2012 on an expansion to its existing facility located in Fayetteville’s Industrial Park.

Construction on the $17.8 million, 16,000-square-foot expansion is expected to start in the next month or two, according to Nitta Gelatin officials. They expect to open the facility sometime in the spring of 2014.

Along with representatives from the city, the county, the Fayetteville Regional Chamber, the Economic Development Alliance and the state commerce department, delegates from Osai and Inspec came in for the groundbreaking on the facility, which will focus on the productions of Collagen Peptide. The protein is used as a dietary supplement that is said to help with skin aging and joint pain. It’s used in a number of products as well and is incredibly popular in Japan.

“What we’re hoping to do is help promote just how valuable this product can be in the United States, “ said Takeo Yamaki from Nitta Gelatin.

The company opened its 50,000-square-foot plant in Fayetteville in October of 2006 and was touted as one of the most important and technologically advanced plants in the company at the time. The facility produces gelatin powders used in a variety of places. Officials said the support they have received throughout the community made it easy to pick this site for the Collagen Peptide expansion plans.

“I want to make it clear to everyone that I’m not here because I’m important in this community,” said Marshall Faircloth, Chairman of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners. “I’m here because you are important in this community and we’re appreciative of your continued investment here.”