Work Starts on Biggest Wheat Protein Plant in North America

Amber Wave held a ribbon cutting event this week to mark the start of construction on the Phillipsburg, KS facility.

2 Min Read
amber-wave-ribbon-cutting-2048x1365.jpeg
Image courtesy of Kansas Department of Commerce

Agriculture, food ingredients, and energy firm Amber Wave held a ribbon cutting event this week to celebrate the start of construction on its new $250 million wheat protein manufacturing facility in Phillipsburg, KS, a release issued by state commerce officials said. The plant will be the largest of its kind in North America.

“Kansas is known for its high-quality wheat, and this cutting-edge facility will strengthen the competitive edge we have in the market,” Kansas Governor Laura Kelly said in a statement. “Now, Kansas wheat farming families will have a massive direct buyer close to home and major food, baking, and pet food companies are able to have their wheat needs met here in Phillipsburg. This investment shows why our constant efforts to bring businesses to Kansas matter: Every local business owner and community member benefits.”

Amber Wave’s plant will be situated near rail access to serve customers on both coasts and in the Midwest. All wheat processed at the plant will be sourced from producers within 100 miles. The location will include a wheat mill and a vital wheat gluten plant, and efforts are underway to retrofit an existing corn-based ethanol plant to produce ethanol from wheat starch.

“Recognizing the rising demand for high-protein ingredients and innovative feed products, coupled with renewable fuels that reduce our carbon footprint, this investment fits with what we have successfully done many times in Summit’s history,” Bruce Rastetter, CEO of Summit Agricultural Group, Amber Wave’s parent organization, said in the release. “We evaluated several sites in various wheat-growing areas and Prairie Horizon is ideally located. The wheat protein we will produce is a healthy ingredient used widely within baked goods, pet food and growing aquaculture feed markets.”

About 60 jobs will be created as the plant becomes fully operational.

About the Author

Powder Bulk Solids Staff

Established in 1983, Powder & Bulk Solids (PBS) serves industries that process, handle, and package dry particulate matter, including the food, chemical, and pharmaceutical markets.

Sign up for the Powder & Bulk Solids Weekly newsletter.

You May Also Like