SunOpta, a Minneapolis, Minn.-based pioneer of sustainable, plant-based and fruit-based beverages and food, announced the opening of its $125 million plant-based beverage production facility in Midlothian, Texas.
“This plant is an important part of SunOpta’s long-term goals and a powerful next step in our company vision,” said Joe Ennen, CEO of SunOpta. “The fully equipped and state-of-the-art facility will enhance our manufacturing and supply chain capabilities. In addition, through innovation and our dedication to sustainability, we can respond to the increasing nationwide demand for plant-based food and beverages.”
The new mega facility will manufacture the company's entire suite of plant-based products, like teas, milks and creamers and other products. Various package sizes and configurations will be produced, including 16-ounce and 32-ounce packages that are typically used in food service, shelf-stable retail and e-commerce for plant-based milk products, as well as 330-milliliter packages used primarily in high-protein nutritional beverages.
In terms of supporting the tea industry, SunOpta helps businesses bring tea-based beverages to life. They have tea extraction capabilities onsite and can create concentrates that can be shipped in tankers for further mixing and packaging. They also produce blended varieties with other ingredients, which they can package aseptically in their facility. Their team members in research and development, quality and regulatory also assist tea businesses with custom formulations, certifications and sourcing, to develop the highest quality tea program.
SunOpta Invests $200 Million In Its Plant-Based Production Capacity
By 2025, SunOpta aims to double its plant-based business and has invested nearly $200 million in its plant-based production capacity in the last three years to support the accelerated growth and developing demand for plant-based milk alternatives. This new Midlothian plant will add capacity and new capabilities to accelerate growth and reduce production costs to serve and meet the growing needs of SunOpta’s customers.
Designed with SunOpta’s sustainability objectives in mind, the new Midlothian plant will reduce carbon emissions, conserve water, efficiently utilize power and use recycled materials. With the plant strategically placed in Texas, SunOpta said the company will significantly reduce emissions through lower transportation usage. The plant’s regional location will also reduce more than 15 million freight miles annually and save 59 million pounds of carbon emissions. In addition, the facility is equipped with water reuse equipment that can save up to 20 million gallons of water a year, an energy-efficient HVAC system that reduces energy consumption by 45 percent, LED lights and water heaters that reduce power usage by 95 percent, and offices and labs constructed with at least 40 percent recyclable materials.
As of now, the new production facility has 285,000 square feet, with the capacity to expand to 400,000 square feet to take on future growth. When fully expanded, the facility will be SunOpta's largest plant for plant-based beverages and foods.
In combination with SunOpta’s plants in California, Minnesota and Pennsylvania, the new Texas location creates a competitively advantaged, “diamond-shaped” national network for national distribution. The new plant will also create up to 175 new jobs to the area.
Founded nearly 50 years ago, SunOpta manufactures natural, organic and specialty products sold through retail and foodservice channels. SunOpta also operates as a manufacturer for leading natural and private label brands, and produces its own brands.
To learn more about SunOpta, visit SunOpta.com.
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