Onego Bio has announced plans to construct its flagship manufacturing facility in Jefferson County, Wisconsin, US.

The facility, dedicated to producing Bioalbumen, a fermentation-derived egg protein powder, will occupy 25.9 acres within the county's Food and Beverage Innovation Campus.

The Jefferson County Board of Supervisors approved the $777,000 purchase in December, marking a significant step forward for the local economy and the burgeoning field of cellular agriculture.

Onego Bio's investment comes at a critical time for the egg market, which faces challenges such as supply chain disruptions and price volatility exacerbated by factors like Avian Influenza. By leveraging advanced fermentation technology, Onego Bio aims to produce egg protein that retains the taste, nutrition and functionality of traditional eggs while offering a 90% smaller environmental footprint.

The new facility is projected to generate egg protein equivalent to that produced by 6 million laying hens, thereby enhancing supply reliability and cost stability for food manufacturers.

Deb Reinbold, president of Thrive Economic Development, commented: “Onego Bio’s presence further solidifies Jefferson County as a leading destination for innovative food and beverage manufacturers.” This sentiment reflects the county’s commitment to fostering an environment conducive to cutting-edge food technology.

The establishment of Onego Bio's facility is expected to create numerous job opportunities and foster collaboration among local businesses. Michael Luckey, interim Jefferson County administrator, highlighted the investment as a testament to the county's ability to attract forward-thinking companies dedicated to economic growth and environmental stewardship.

Onego Bio’s approach addresses the pressing need for diversified protein sources in the food industry, which consumes approximately one-third of all eggs produced for industrial use. By producing real egg protein outside the traditional supply chain, the company aims to mitigate the risks associated with supply chain disruptions, ultimately contributing to long-term food security.

Maija Itkonen, co-founder and CEO of Onego Bio, said: “We are committed to building a more resilient, sustainable food system – one that ensures stability for manufacturers, reduces supply chain volatility and supports long-term food security.”

For Christopher Landowski, Onego Bio's co-founder and chief technology officer, this project holds personal significance. A Wisconsin native and graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Landowski expressed pride in bringing the company’s first US manufacturing facility to his home state.

He stated: “Wisconsin’s rich history in biotechnology and its innovative spirit make it the perfect place to scale Bioalbumen and transform the future of food production”.

The development of Onego Bio's facility adds to a growing list of investments in Jefferson County, which has recently attracted major players like Kikkoman Corporation and Nestlé Purina. Kikkoman is currently constructing a 240,000-square-foot facility dedicated to soy sauce production, while Nestlé Purina has announced a $195 million expansion of its existing operations in the area.