EAGAN, Minn. — January 25, 2002 -- Michael E. Cady has joined Biopolymer Engineering, Inc., a leading biotechnology company in the field of complex carbohydrates, as Assistant Vice President of Operations.

Mr. Cady will assist in the management and expansion of Biopolymer Engineering's existing manufacturing operations and the development of new facilities. The company currently operates chitin and chitosan plant in El Salvador whose capacity is expected to reach 2,000 tons annually. Biopolymer Engineering is also in the process of starting a glucosamine plant in Eagan, Minnesota.

“Mike brings more than 20 years of experience in food, nutritional supplements and pharmaceutical production,” said Michael L. Catto, Biopolymer Engineering Executive Vice President of Operations. “He'll be a great addition to our team as we expand and grow.”

Before joining Biopolymer Engineering, Mr. Cady was Vice President, Manufacturing and Engineering at GalaGen Inc., a producer of nutritional ingredients for foods, beverages and supplements. Previously, he was Director of Operations for Procor Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Land O’Lakes.

Biopolymer Engineering, Inc. is a global biotechnology company that engineers complex carbohydrates for a wide range of therapeutic, diagnostic and industrial applications, from strengthening the human immune system and fighting disease to formulating cosmetics and purifying water.