For Immediate Release
ABF Ingredients Selects Eau Claire for North American Expansion
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – The City of Eau Claire Economic Development Division announces that ABF Ingredients (ABFI) has selected Eau Claire as the location for a proposed new state-of-the-art facility, representing a significant long-term investment in the region’s growing biomanufacturing sector.
ABF Ingredients has acquired approximately 70 acres of land in one of Eau Claire’s business parks for the development that will support the company’s expanding operations in North America. The project is expected to be developed in three phases over several years and will initially include a new facility for Ohly, one of ABFI’s global specialty ingredients businesses, resulting in a total investment of $274M and 90-100 jobs created.
The Eau Claire site will also be designed to accommodate long-term growth with the potential opportunity to expand operations in the future, further strengthening the region’s advanced manufacturing base.
About ABF Ingredients & Ohly
ABF Ingredients is a division of Associated British Foods plc and a global leader in specialty ingredients. The company develops and manufactures value-added products used across the food, health and nutrition, pharmaceutical, animal health, and industrial sectors—operating a portfolio of businesses worldwide. These include Ohly, AB Enzymes, ABITEC Corporation, PGP International, SPI Pharma, and Biotexia, and each is focused on innovative ingredient technologies and applications.
Ohly, one of ABFI’s core businesses, is a leading supplier of yeast derivatives, culinary powders, and lipid-based products for global food, biotechnology, and health markets. Its range of multifunctional specialties, based on prime baker’s and torula yeast, are used in a wide range of commercial and industrial applications.
A Strategic Investment in Eau Claire
ABF Ingredients selected Eau Claire following a comprehensive evaluation of potential locations, citing the region’s strong infrastructure, skilled workforce, and proximity to its existing Wisconsin operations in Boyceville. The project is expected to support job creation, strengthen local supply chain activity, and contribute to long-term economic growth in the Chippewa Valley. The company’s focus on specialty ingredient production and biomanufacturing also aligns with the City Council’s priorities around sustainable industry growth and the creation of high-quality jobs.
“As I am signing off as City Council President, I’m proud to welcome ABF Ingredients’ investment in Eau Claire,” says outgoing City Council President Emily Berge. “Our community is leading the state in growth, with both residents and businesses choosing Eau Claire for its strong workforce, quality of life, and economic opportunity. I’m proud to have been part of the work that helped bring this project forward, an exciting announcement that truly caps off my time as Council President. This investment will not only create jobs and strengthen our local economy, but it will continue to reinforce Eau Claire’s role as a leader in Wisconsin.”
Building on a New Industry Segment
The project represents a meaningful step in expanding Eau Claire’s presence in biomanufacturing and specialty ingredient production, aligning with broader trends in advanced and knowledge-driven manufacturing.
“It is with great pleasure that we welcome ABF Ingredients to the community as they move forward with their company expansion in Eau Claire,” says Aaron White, Community Development Director at the City of Eau Claire. “Working with ABFI leadership on this multi-year process has shown that the company is a leader in their industry and will bring high-paying biomanufacturing jobs, helping pave the way for Eau Claire to grow this industry segment in the Chippewa Valley. We look forward to working closely with them to ensure their success and growth potential in their new location.”
A Long-Term Partnership
City staff, along with regional partners Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corporation, Momentum West Wisconsin, and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), have worked with ABF Ingredients throughout the site selection and planning process. The project will continue to move forward in coordination with each group as planning, permitting, and development activities progress.
“We are thrilled to have ABFI and Ohly establish roots in the Eau Claire area,” says Luke Hanson, Executive Director at Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corporation. “This project shows their dedication to this community over the long term by bringing high-paying jobs to the region, significant net new construction adding to the tax base, and their eagerness to be a strong community partner for years to come in Eau Claire.”
“I couldn’t be happier to welcome ABF Ingredients to Eau Claire as they establish their new North American campus for Ohly,” says Dave Solberg, Deputy City Manager at the City of Eau Claire. “The corporate history, vision, and values of ABFI make them a strong fit for our community. I look forward to a long, successful partnership between the City and ABFI. Welcome to Eau Claire!”
Next Steps
Finalization of the project is subject to necessary approvals, and additional details regarding construction timing and facility development will be shared as they become available.
For media inquiries or more information, please contact:
Kendall Williams
Economic Development Division
City of Eau Claire
(715) 839-4914
kendall.williams@eauclairewi.gov
About the City of Eau Claire
The City of Eau Claire, located in west-central Wisconsin, is committed to fostering a thriving economic environment that supports businesses of all sizes, promotes job growth, and enhances the quality of life for its residents.