Gov. joins leaders for opening of continent’s largest wheat protein plant
PHILLIPSBURG, Kan. (WIBW) - Governor Kelly joined local leaders at the grand opening of the largest wheat protein plant in North America.
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly says on Tuesday, Aug. 9, she joined leaders from Amber Wave, a leader in sustainable agriculture, food ingredients, and low-carbon fuels, to cut the ribbon on a state-of-the-art wheat protein ingredients facility in Phillipsburg to be the largest producer in North American within 2 years.
Gov. Kelly indicated that the company will invest more than $250 million in the facility and create 60 new jobs as it ramps up to full capacity.
Kelly noted that the ribbon-cutting comes during her Prosperity on the Plains tour to promote economic development in the Sunflower State.
“Kansas is known for its high-quality wheat, and this cutting-edge facility will strengthen the competitive edge we have in the market,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Now, Kansas wheat farming families will have a massive direct buyer close to home and major food, baking, and pet food companies are able to have their wheat needs met here in Phillipsburg. This investment shows why our constant efforts to bring businesses to Kansas matter: Every local business owner and community member benefits.”
The Governor said the plant’s location is in the heart of the country with rail access to both coasts and core Midwest Customers for the diverse variety of products made in the city. She said all wheat Amber Wave needs is grown within 100 miles of the plant.
“This is a big win not just for Phillipsburg and western Kansas but the entire state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Amber Wave’s facility underscores Governor Kelly’s continued commitment to increasing prosperity in all areas of Kansas.”
In addition to building a wheat mill and vital wheat gluten plant, Kelly indicated the company retrofitted the existing Prairie Horizon Agri-Energy corn-based ethanol plant to produce ethanol from wheat starch. She said the plant will use the latest tech in wheat milling and protein extraction while also creating a significantly lower carbon footprint than traditional corn ethanol plants to produce biofuels.
“Recognizing the rising demand for high-protein ingredients and innovative feed products, coupled with renewable fuels that reduce our carbon footprint, this investment fits with what we have successfully done many times in Summit’s history,” said Bruce Rastetter, CEO of Summit Agricultural Group, Amber Wave’s parent organization. “We evaluated several sites in various wheat-growing areas and Prairie Horizon is ideally located. The wheat protein we will produce is a healthy ingredient used widely within baked goods, pet food and growing aquaculture feed markets.”
“Today, wheat protein demand in the U.S. is heavily reliant on imports,” Rastetter concluded, “and with consumers demanding more transparency about the origins of the food they eat, we see a real opportunity.”
Copyright 2022 WIBW. All rights reserved.