ROCHESTER, MINN. — Kerry is investing $28.6 million in its Rochester-based facility to increase manufacturing. The operation produces naturally derived fermented ingredients used by manufacturers to deliver fresh taste over the shelf life of food and beverage products.
“Demand for naturally derived fermented ingredients is growing in North America and internationally,” said Bryce Nesberg, human resources manager, Kerry. “This increase in demand has resulted in the creation of approximately 60 new positions over three years at the plant. With our increased production capacity that this expansion will bring, more skilled roles will be created upon completion.”
Kerry aims to boost its position in the market by investing in its processing infrastructure. The expansion project includes the addition of a new spray dryer and two 10,000-gallon dryer feed tanks. The fermented ingredients produced by Kerry are used in the preservation of bakery products, deli meats and other food products. This evolving market dynamic is the key driver behind Kerry’s investment and expansion in Rochester.
Groundbreaking commenced in April of this year, and a topping-off ceremony was scheduled for Sept. 19. Speakers at the ceremony will include Ardell Brede, city of Rochester mayor; Neil Cracknell, president of functional ingredients and actives at Kerry; and Michael Matthews, vice-president of business development for functional ingredients at Kerry.
