American agribusiness Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) announced plans this week to invest $300 million to increase capacity for soy protein concentrate at its Decatur, IL manufacturing site and open a new Protein Innovation Center in the Illinois community.

“The global trends of food security and sustainability are driving structural changes in the food industry, including strong growth in alternative proteins, and we’re investing to ensure ADM remains a leader in this vast and exciting space,” Letica Goncalves, president, Global Foods for ADM, said in a company release.

Along with increasing the location’s capacity for soy protein concentrate, the project will nearly double the plant’s extrusion capacity. Work to increase production is expected to reach completion in the first quarter of 2025. The company said it will utilize new technologies and processes to ensure the meet its environmental sustainability commitments.

ADM’s Protein Innovation Center in Decatur will enable customers to create custom solutions in labs and test kitchens. The center also features pilot-scale production capabilities.

“We’re proud to be the alternative protein partner of choice for global CPGs, food service companies and startups alike, with the highest-quality ingredients, unparalleled global scale, unmatched speed to market, and a value chain that no other company can offer,” said Goncalves. “The investments we’re announcing today showcase our commitment to supporting their success and growing with them as more and more customers choose alternative proteins.”