Kemin
Industries has launched a new manufacturing facility in Verona, Missouri, to
produce its Proteus range of functional proteins for the meat and poultry
sector. This state-of-the-art investment aims to meet the growing demand for
sustainable and technologically advanced solutions in the food industry.
Kemin Industries, a global ingredient manufacturer, has initiated operations at its new manufacturing hub in Verona, Missouri. This facility's focus is on the Proteus range: clean-label functional proteins that are crafted to increase yield and refine the quality of meat and poultry products.
The 38,000-square-foot facility, an investment of $70 million, began its construction journey in November 2021. It now provides employment to nearly 30 individuals from the Verona community.
Adhering to the FSSC 22000 Certification and having passed the USDA inspection on July 25, 2023, this facility is set to produce the Proteus proteins for Kemin Food Technologies – North America. This range of proteins assists in retaining moisture, typically lost in processing, promising improved processing efficiency.
The facility's capacity is noteworthy, with an initial ability to produce functional proteins for over a billion pounds of meat, poultry, and other protein-based applications.
"Since acquiring Proteus in April 2021, we've been eager to open this site and serve customers, who continue to demand sustainably sourced, technologically advanced solutions," shared Marc Scantlin, President, Kemin Food Technologies – North America.
Kemin's relationship with Southwest Missouri started in 2011 when they established a manufacturing point for Kemin Nutrisurance, which caters to pet food and rendering technologies. Now, the company operates out of three prominent locations in Missouri.
Dr. Chris Nelson, President and CEO of Kemin Industries, remarked, "We've found a great pipeline of talent in Verona and the surrounding area that has successfully grown our manufacturing capabilities for our pet food business, and we believe this community will offer the same support for our Proteus production plant to meet the high interest of our customers."
Lastly, the company's roadmap hints at an expansion of its Food Technologies segment, driven by the Proteus solutions, with eyes on Latin America by 2024.