Primient, a plant-based food and industrial ingredients supplier, has earmarked an investment surpassing $700 million to bolster sustainable ingredient production across its operational network in the United States to be rolled out over the next five years.
This financial commitment was announced at the “Rooted in Renewal” celebration, held at one of the company’s administration buildings in Decatur, Illinois, and attended by elected officials and industry leaders.
“The scale of investments […] is unmatched in our industry”
The strategic investment aims to upgrade and advance production assets and methodologies to achieve unparalleled product quality and ensure the longevity of its production capabilities. Notably, the investment encompasses significant enhancements to the company’s Decatur, Illinois facility, with $400 million allocated over the next five years for infrastructural and operational improvements.
Jim Stutelberg, CEO of Primient, notes, “The scale of investments —particularly in the Decatur operations—is unmatched in our industry and clearly signals our ambition to be the partner of choice now and for the future.”
Modernization and process optimization
Cited improvements consist of optimizing refining and drying processes across all its facilities, including Primient’s wet milling operations in Lafayette, Indiana, and Loudon, Tennessee. The company also claims in a press release that it is the sole company in the corn wet milling sector to eliminate coal use and adopt sustainable energy sources across its facilities.
The expansion effort has garnered support through an Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credit, facilitating job creation in Decatur. Illinois The investment is anticipated to enhance several facets of the Decatur facility, including modernizing core processes, improving syrup refining, boosting safety and equipment functionality, and upgrading employee amenities.
Governor JB Pritzker states, “This doesn’t just secure Primient’s status as a market leader—it speaks to their commitment to serve as a true community partner. And on every measure, it is our shared goals—from advancing environmental sustainability to promoting economic development—that bind us together. On behalf of the State of Illinois, we couldn’t be more excited to see all that Primient achieves over the coming years.”
Potential of the bioeconomy in Illinois
The state of Illinois’ coinciding announcement of a $680 million investment in the Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing (iFAB) Tech Hub earlier this week further amplifies the state’s ambition to be at the forefront of the global biomanufacturing and alternative protein sectors.
Decatur mayor Julie Wolfe Moore echoed the positive sentiment towards Primient’s investment: “Primient’s investment in its Decatur operations reinforces the company’s long-standing position as a community leader and signifies strong confidence in our shared future. We are proud to partner with them as they lay the foundation for the next generation, ensuring that Decatur is ready to step into the potential of the bioeconomy.”
