Maple Leaf Foods and its wholly owned subsidiary, Greenleaf Foods, have announced plans to construct a $310 million plant-based protein food processing facility in Shelbyville, Ind. The company will also invest approximately $26 million to keep pace with ongoing growth in demand at its existing facilities.
The new facility, at approximately 230,000 square feet, will double the company’s current production capacity and support a pipeline of innovation to meet increasing consumer demand and fuel market growth. The facility will produce tempeh, franks, sausages, and raw foods. This includes the recently launched Lightlife Burger, which is made from pea protein, coconut oil, and beet powder.
“By establishing a large-scale North American network, we will continue to meet rapidly growing demand for delicious protein alternatives and create a center of excellence for innovation,” said Michael H. McCain, president and CEO. “It will escalate the financial contribution of this business and advance Maple Leaf’s vision to be the most sustainable protein company on earth.”
Construction is expected to start in late spring of 2019, with production expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2020. The company expects to employ approximately 460 people at the new facility once it is up and running.
Source: IFT
