ABF Ingredients plans Wisconsin expansion to support Ohly growth in North America
This strategic expansion is designed to support the rapid growth of Ohly, one of ABFI’s flagship businesses and a leading global supplier of yeast extracts, culinary powders, and flavor solutions.
USA – ABF Ingredients (ABFI), the specialty ingredients division of Associated British Foods plc, has announced plans to purchase land in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, as part of a major expansion strategy designed to support the continued growth of its specialty ingredients business, Ohly, across North America.
The move marks one of the most significant manufacturing investments in the region in recent years and reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to the North American market.
The investment includes an initial commitment of more than US$65 million to build a new state-of-the-art production facility in Eau Claire, which is expected to create nearly 30 jobs.
The new site will complement Ohly’s existing manufacturing operation in Boyceville, Wisconsin, while also providing ABF Ingredients with room for future expansion in the region.
The scale of the project is ambitious. Phase one calls for approximately 22,000 square feet of manufacturing space on roughly 70 acres, with construction expected to begin in 2026 and to be completed by the end of 2028.
If the company proceeds with phase two, it will add about 100,000 square feet with an investment of approximately US$135 million, creating 35 additional jobs.
Phase three would add another 22,000 square feet, with a US$70 million investment and 30 to 35 more jobs, with pay for the 90 to 100 new jobs ranging from US$24 to US$60 per hour.
The company said the decision follows a detailed assessment of the North American market and reflects growing demand for speciality ingredients across food, beverage, and nutrition sectors.
Jeremy Xu, CEO of ABF Ingredients, described the development as a pivotal moment. He said Eau Claire offers the right environment for sustainable, long-term growth, and that the new facility will strengthen Ohly’s ability to meet rising demand across North America, adding that the company is proud to deepen its roots in Wisconsin.
Local and state authorities offered a warm reception to the announcement.
Dave Solberg, Deputy City Manager for the City of Eau Claire, said he could not be happier to welcome ABF Ingredients to Eau Claire as they establish their new North American campus for Ohly, describing the company’s corporate history, vision, and values as a strong fit for the community.
John W. Miller, Secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), called the expansion exciting news for Wisconsin’s world-class food and beverage industry, noting that WEDC worked closely with the company to meet its site selection needs.
Once complete, the facility will serve as Ohly’s North American campus. Eau Claire was selected after a multi-year comprehensive evaluation of potential locations, with the region’s strong infrastructure and proximity to ABFI’s existing operations in Boyceville cited as key factors in the decision.
Construction is expected to take place in phases over several years, with ABF Ingredients and Ohly working alongside the City of Eau Claire and WEDC on planning, permitting, and community engagement activities.
ABF Ingredients is the specialty ingredients division of Associated British Foods plc and operates globally across the food, health, nutrition, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors.
Sign up to HERE receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
