Ingredient manufacturer Kemin Industries started work on a new, $40 million clean-label protein ingredients plant in Verona, MO Friday that will supply products to the food technologies sector.

The 38,000-sq-ft plant will produce the Proteus brand portfolio of patented, clean-label protein ingredients for protein, poultry, and protein-based applications. Kemin’s plans to open the new location follow its acquisition of Proteus Industries in April 2021.

“With its technologically advanced, sustainable, and clean-label attributes, our Proteus line is in high demand with food processors that provide meat, poultry, and protein-based products to consumers,” Dr. Chris Nelson, president and CEO of Kemin, said in a company release. “The Proteus products help to improve yield, nutrition, and quality of functional foods, and with this new facility, we’ll be able to serve and expand our customers in the food technologies space.”

Slated to open in March 2023, the Kemin Food Technologies – Americas facility in Verona will have an initial capacity to produce applications for over 100 billion lb of meat, poultry, and protein-based ingredients.

The new plant will create 30 new jobs. Kemin currently operates another facility in the state in Sarcoxie.

“Southwest Missouri has served as an excellent place for Kemin’s production capabilities and will continue to be a great community to expand our manufacturing opportunities,” said Dr. Nelson. “We believe that Verona and the surrounding areas provide a talented and dedicated workforce ideal to grow our global footprint and transform the quality of life.”