Food Firm SunOpta Cuts Ribbon on New Headquarters

Plant-based foods and beverages maker SunOpta announced the opening of its new 65,000-sq-ft global headquarters in Eden Prairie, MN this week. Intended to support the company’s innovation efforts, the location houses a pilot plant and a research and development center.

“Our growth ambitions required this move. We’ve grown our plant-based business by more than $100 million over the last two years through a focus on innovation and new customer development, and we expect this pace of growth to continue,” Joe Ennen, the firm’s chief executive officer, said in a company release. “This new facility, with a full-scale pilot plant and a huge expansion of the research and development space, will allow us to aggressively develop new products and new customers.”

The company said the opening of the new site is part of its goal to double its plant-based business by 2025.

A number of eco-friendly features were installed at the location, including about 13,000-sq-ft of renewable bamboo flooring, electrical vehicle charging stations, and 920 LED light fixtures. SunOpta plans to add 36,000 sq ft of solar panels this spring.

“While other companies are downsizing their office spaces, SunOpta is upsizing to achieve our growth ambitions by encouraging problem-solving and innovation in person,” said Ennen. “It is a simple but effective approach: build the right environment, hire the best and brightest minds, and empower them to make an impact. This new space, combined with our flexible approach to hybrid working, brings us together to sustain innovation.”