wood is used to manufacture bio ethanol. Borregaard also produces caustic soda, hydrochloric acid and bleaching chemicals for captive use and for sale to external customers. Borregaard LignoTech Borregaard LignoTech is a supplier of lignin-based binding and dispersing agents (lignosulphonate). Lignin is the binding agent in wood and is extracted as lignosulphonate during the production of cellulose. The company has production units in Norway, US, Brazil, Germany, and the UK, and joint venture units in South Africa, Spain, and the US. LignoTech's lignin products are used as dispersing agents in concrete, textile dyes, agrochemicals, batteries and ceramic products, or as binding agents in animal feed and briquettes. Lignin products improve the end-use properties and strengthen the structure of concrete. Lignin-based products are also used in connection with oil drilling. Borregaard Synthesis Borregaard Synthesis provides intermediates for non-ionic X-ray contrast media, and has dedicated plants for this market. The company also supplies advanced intermediates, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for several medicines. The production facilities is located at the Borregaard production site in Sarpsborg, Norway. The company also produces diphenols at its plant in Ravenna, Italy. Borregaard Ingredients Borregaard manufactures ingredients based on natural raw materials. Omega-3 oil Borregaard supplies omega-3 specialty oils designed for use in functional food such as dairy products, juice, sausages and sweets. Vanillin The company is the only supplier of vanillin produced from wood (lignin). Borregaard also supplies vanillin and ethyl vanillin products based on petrochemical raw materials. Yeast products Borregaard's plant in Switzerland produces protein-rich torula yeast, based on sugar compounds in wood, for use in food products and selected animal feed products. Borregaard also manufactures various yeast extracts that are used as taste enhancers with good nutritional properties in sauces, soups, baby food, pizza and meat products. General directors and managing directors 1918–1933 : Hjalmar Wessel 1933–1960 : Arne Meidell 1960–1978 : Rein Henriksen 1978–1985 : Oddmund Sørhuus 1986–1999 : Egil Ullebø 1999– : Per Sørlie Legionella epidemic In May 2005 there was a legionellosis outbreak in Fredrikstad/Sarpsborg area. It was confirmed that an air scrubbers on Borregaard's plant in Sarpsborg, Norway was the source of the worst legionella epidemic in Norwegian history. The epidemic spread to at least 56 people, of whom ten died. In 2008 there was a new legionellosis outbreak in Fredrikstad/Sarpsborg area. This time it was concluded that the biological treatment plant was connected with both outbreaks. The biological treatment plant