Botanical extracts firm Layn Natural Ingredients recently revealed plans to invest $148 million to build a new production facility that will be capable of processing 4,000 mt/yr of stevia leaf extract.

The site will be constructed over a three-year period. Layn is securing the funding from stock and will use the investment to expand its infrastructure and bolster its R&D and innovation capabilities.

“Consumers worldwide are increasingly demanding more natural ingredients over synthetics, and the strategically planned expansion will meet growing global demand of natural sweeteners and polyphenol-rich botanical ingredients,” the company wrote in a release. “Layn will also expand its sustainable agronomy innovation programs to expand its transparent and traceable supply chain.”

Layn describes itself as the world’s largest direct manufacturer of stevia and monk fruit natural sweetener extracts. The company also produces extracts from pomegranate, rosemary, teas, and sophora japonica.

Solutions made by Layn are used in the food, beverage, flavor, nutraceutical, personal care, and animals and pets markets.