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ABF Ingredients (ABFI) has confirmed the purchase of land in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, marking a significant escalation of its manufacturing presence in the United States. The move is designed to support the rapid growth of Ohly, a leading producer of yeast-based flavours and ingredients, by establishing a new state-of-the-art production hub.

The project involves an initial capital injection of over 65 million dollars and represents a long-term commitment to the region, leveraging Wisconsin’s established industrial infrastructure and skilled agricultural workforce.

Location and Operational Synergy

The selection of Eau Claire followed a comprehensive assessment of the North American market. The site was chosen for its robust infrastructure and its proximity to Ohly’s existing manufacturing facility in Boyceville, Wisconsin.

By clustering these operations, ABFI aims to create a highly efficient regional network that can better serve high-growth markets across the United States and Canada. Jeremy Xu, CEO of ABF Ingredients, stated that Eau Claire offers the ideal environment for sustainable, long-term growth, allowing the company to deepen its roots in a region with a strong history of corporate partnership.

Economic Impact and Regional Development

The investment has been welcomed by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and the Eau Claire City Council, who highlight the project as a catalyst for regional economic stability.

Key economic contributions include:

Workforce Expansion: The new facility will employ nearly 30 team members in high-skilled manufacturing and engineering roles.

Supply Chain Opportunities: The construction and operation of the site will create significant opportunities for local suppliers and service providers.

Infrastructure Investment: The project involves the development of a "North American campus" specifically designed to facilitate future ABFI expansion beyond the initial Ohly facility.

Market Outlook and North American Scaling

The expansion comes at a time when the demand for high-quality, sustainable food ingredients is accelerating across North America. Ohly’s speciality yeast extracts and culinary ingredients are increasingly utilised by food manufacturers looking to enhance flavour and nutritional profiles in clean-label products.

By investing in a state-of-the-art facility, Ohly is ensuring it has the technical capacity to meet rising customer demand while maintaining the operational flexibility required to innovate in a dynamic market. The project will be phased over several years, with ABFI and Ohly partnering closely with local authorities to manage planning, permitting, and community engagement.

As ABFI continues to scale its global footprint, the Eau Claire hub is expected to serve as a foundational anchor for the group’s North American growth strategy, providing the infrastructure required to support future business units as they expand their presence in the region.