Astaris, a North Lawrence company that manufactures phosphates, announced today it will invest $5 million to expand its local operation, creating 10 new jobs.

The company is located at 440 N. Ninth St.

“We are pleased that Astaris is expanding in Lawrence. Their expansion would be a great success for the community,” Lynn Parman, vice president of economic development, Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, said in a prepared statement.

Based in St. Louis, Astaris LLC manufactures and markets phosphate technology solutions for food, industrial and institutional applications to customers worldwide.

It began functioning as an independent company in 2000.