ABF Ingredients (ABFI) has revealed plans to acquire land in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. This investment highlights the company’s dedication to the region while fostering the ongoing development of Ohly, a key player among ABFI’s global specialty ingredients divisions. Additionally, this site presents opportunities for expanded operations, further enhancing ABFI’s capacity to cater to essential markets across North America.
The Eau Claire City Council, along with representatives from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), expressed their enthusiasm regarding this announcement, pointing out the positive economic repercussions it will have through job creation, increased local supply chain avenues, and sustained infrastructure growth.
A long-term commitment to Wisconsin
After a thorough analysis of the North American market conditions, Ohly has pinpointed numerous growth prospects. To capitalize on this and address the escalating demand from customers, the company aims to enhance its production capabilities with the Eau Claire site. This endeavor involves an initial investment surpassing $65 million to establish a cutting-edge facility that will employ around 30 individuals. This new center will work in conjunction with Ohly’s current manufacturing site in Boyceville, Wisconsin.
Although Ohly will begin by developing its facility, the selection of the Eau Claire location has been driven by its strategic viability, with an eye towards future expansion to facilitate ABFI’s growth initiatives in North America.
This significant move by ABF Ingredients comes after an extensive review of the North American market and possible sites. Eau Claire stood out due to its robust infrastructure, talented local workforce, and its proximity to Ohly’s existing operations in Wisconsin. The construction process is expected to unfold over several years, with ABF Ingredients and Ohly collaborating with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and the City of Eau Claire to facilitate planning, permitting, and community involvement.
Jeremy Xu, CEO of ABF Ingredients, stated that this investment signifies a noteworthy milestone for both the business and its client base.
“Eau Claire offers the right environment for sustainable, long-term growth, and our new facility will strengthen Ohly’s ability to meet rising demand across North America,” he articulated. “We are proud to deepen our roots in Wisconsin.”
Dave Solberg, Deputy City Manager of Eau Claire, expressed his excitement about ABF Ingredients establishing its new North American campus for Ohly.
“The corporate history, vision, and values of ABFI align well with our community’s needs. I look forward to the potential for a long and fruitful partnership between the City and ABFI,” Solberg remarked.
Aaron White, Community Development Director in Eau Claire, welcomed ABF Ingredients to the area, describing the firm as an industry leader poised to provide “high-paying biomanufacturing jobs, paving the way for Eau Claire to develop this sector further.”
John W. Miller, Secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), concluded that the selection of Eau Claire for ABF Ingredients’ expansion is “exciting” for Wisconsin’s acclaimed food and beverage sector.
“WEDC has collaborated closely with them to fulfill their site selection criteria, and we anticipate a continued partnership to guarantee their success in our state,” Miller stated regarding this significant investment.
