Greenleaf Foods SPC plans to build a plant in Indiana which will be the largest plant-based protein manufacturing facility in North America.
The 230,000-s.f. facility on 57 acres off Interstate 74 in Shelbyville will more than double Greenleaf Foods’ production capacity.
The $310 million facility is scheduled to become operational in late 2020 and will create 460 jobs.
The new manufacturing plant will extend the company’s network of production facilities, including locations in Seattle, Washington, and Turners Falls, Massachusetts. Greenleaf Foods plans to invest in equipment to increase capacity and scale production at these existing facilities.
“Our new facility will be a center of plant-based protein excellence that helps accelerate our company’s growth. This will support our rich pipeline of innovative products that both satisfy increasing consumer demand and drive our continued leadership of this dynamic category in the U.S. and Canada into the future,” said Greenleaf Foods President Dan Curtin. “Our world-class research and development teams are shattering what were once thought to be the culinary boundaries of plant-based protein products, and our new facility will take those ideas from development to commercialization. We are grateful for the incredible support from the State of Indiana, as well as Shelby County and the City of Shelbyville, who have helped make this a reality.”
In January, the Lightlife Burger, Ground, Italian Sausage and Bratwurst Sausage were launched as part of a new pea protein-based product line, the brand’s most significant innovation launch in its 40-year history. The new line will be among the products made at the new facility, along with other products from the Lightlife and Field Roast Grain Meat Co. brands.
Lightlife and Field Roast Grain Meat Co. are the No. 1 and No. 2 brands in the refrigerated alternative protein category.
A groundbreaking ceremony Monday included company officials and state and local government leaders.
“In Indiana, we’re proud to support a global economy with more than 950 foreign-owned businesses here providing quality career opportunities for our residents. And we’re thrilled to welcome Greenleaf Foods SPC to that growing list and to our Indiana family,” Indiana Gov. Eric J. Holcomb said.
The North American plant-based protein market had estimated sales of U.S. $1 billion in 2018 and demand for plant-based protein continues to show strong growth. Fresh refrigerated products represent approximately 24 percent of the total market and delivered 40 percent sales growth in 2018. While burgers are fueling category growth, all refrigerated products are forecasted to deliver double-digit growth for the next 20 years.
The facility will be built off Interstate 74 at the Highway 44 exit.
Greenleaf Foods is headquartered in Chicago and is a wholly-owned, independent subsidiary of Maple Leaf Foods Inc.
