History of Martek
Martek Biosciences, founded in 1985, began when defense and aerospace contractor Martin Marietta tasked a few scientists with studying the beneficial use of algae in long-term space flight. In the course of this project, these scientists came to believe that algae represented a virtually untapped resource that could be screened for a variety of applications to greatly benefit human health. Driven by their passion for their discoveries, these visionary scientists spun off from Martin Marietta taking with them both their algae and their body of research. There was still more to discover, more mysteries to unravel. Martek Biosciences Corporation was born.
Soon after, Martek identified a strain of algae,Crypthecodinium cohnii, that is a naturally high producer of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid that plays a key role in infant development and adult health. Martek then developed and patented a method of deriving DHA-rich oil from the algae. Continuing its exploration of infant nutrition, Martek also developed a patented process for developing arachidonic acid, ARA, another fatty acid important to infant health, from Mortierella alpina, a fungus. These innovations led to Martek’s first license agreement in 1992 for the use of Martek’s proprietary blend of DHA and ARA in infant formula. In 1993, Martek went public after entering into similar license agreements with two additional infant formula companies. Martek continues to grow with headquarters in Columbia, Maryland, a research and development site in Boulder, Colorado, and state-of-the-art manufacturing plants in Kingstree, South Carolina, and Winchester, Kentucky.
At present, Martek’s flagship product, life’sDHA™, along with life'sARA™, is found in over 90 percent of U.S. infant formulas. Both fatty acids are also added to infant formulas sold in over 70 countries and, subsequently, have been consumed by more than 24 million babies worldwide. In addition, a range of supplements and functional foods containing life’sDHA™ for older children and adults continues to hit the market both in the U.S. and abroad.
What started with a few visionary and passionate scientists, is now a company with more than 525 employees and revenue of more than $300 million. But Martek’s core values remain the same. The passion for producing high quality science-backed products that provide real benefits to people remains unchanged. Much has changed since the journey began in 1985, but what created Martek more than 20 years ago still drives the company today – a passion for science, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to improving health and wellness throughout life.
Important Moments in Martek History
- 1985: Founded
- 1989: Commercialized its first products, stable isotope reagents
- 1992: Signed first infant formula license agreement
- 1993: Went public
- 1994: 1st preterm infant formula introduced with life'sDHA™ & life'sARA™ (in Belgium)
- 1995: Started manufacturing its DHA and ARA products in its Winchester, KY plant
- 1997: 1st term infant formula introduced with life'sDHA™ & life'sARA™ (in Israel and other countries)
- 2001: Received US FDA GRAS for its DHA & ARA for use in US infant formula
- 2002: Mead Johnson launched 1st US infant formula containing life'sDHA™ & life'sARA™
- 2002: Martek acquired OmegaTech (another producer of a DHA oil from algae)
- 2003: Martek purchased FermPro Manufacturing in order to expand production capacity
- 2003: Martek experienced first profitable year
- 2005: Martek completes major plant expansion
- 2005: Martek signs supply agreement with first major food company (Kellogg)
- 2005: Revenue reached $217 Million
- 2006: life'sDHA™ and life'sARA™ available in over 90% of US infant formulas
