Tagged: mamtek

An auction of assets left from a failed artificial sweetener factory in Moberly is drawing curious onlookers but few big buyers.

The auction of Mamtek U.S. property drew more than 20 prospective bidders Wednesday morning to a Moberly hotel ballroom, joined by online participants.

Buyers sought deals on individual pieces of equipment owned by Mamtek, but no one submitted a bid for the company's real estate or its intellectual property.

The northern Missouri artificial sweetener plant project that turned sour when its financing collapsed last year is holding an out-of-business sale.

Mamtek U.S. received $39 million of industrial development bonds from the city of Moberly and could have earned up to $17 million of state tax incentives to build the factory. Construction ceased on the partially complete factory after Mamtek missed a bond payment in August 2011. Former CEO Bruce Cole faces fraud and stealing charges and remains in the Randolph County Jail awaiting trial.

The former CEO of a failed sweetener facility is back in Missouri to face charges that he spent public money intended for the planned Moberly factory for his personal use.

Ex-Mamtek U.S. Inc. head Bruce Cole faces fraud and stealing charges after plans to build the plant collapsed. Prosecutors say he used some of the money from a $39 million bond to avoid foreclosure on his Beverly Hills home.

The former CEO of a proposed sweetener facility is in jail in Missouri after giving up his fight against being extradited from California.

Ex-Mamtek U.S. Inc. head Bruce Cole faces fraud and stealing charges after plans to build a sweetener plant in Moberly collapsed. Prosecutors said he used some of the money from a $39 million bond to avoid foreclosure on his Beverly Hills home.

Regional news coverage from the KBIA newsroom, including:

• More Akin abortion remarks stir criticism
• Sweetener company CEO headed back to Missouri
• Schaefer, Still square off in debate on MU campus
• McCaskill says she raised $5.8M for Mo. Senate bid