Nortian Foodtech, an innovative food manufacturer, announced today that it will establish a facility in St. Joseph, investing more than $22.2 million and creating 138 new jobs. The company will construct a 160,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility to produce high-quality, food-grade protein from meat byproducts.
“We are proud Nortian Foodtech chose Missouri and St. Joseph for its first U.S. location,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “The company’s decision to invest and grow in Missouri is testament to our strong manufacturing industry and skilled workforce.”
Nortian Foodtech is a startup company that transforms meat byproducts that would typically be discarded into high-value, food-grade ingredients. The company’s strategic decision to open its first U.S. location in St. Joseph will provide opportunities to partner with other food manufacturers in the area.
“St. Joseph is the ideal location for Nortian Foodtech’s first U.S. facility,” said Andre Albuquerque, Founder and CEO of Nortian Foodtech. “This investment strengthens our mission to transform by-products into high-value food ingredients through cutting-edge technology. We appreciate the support from local and state partners and look forward to creating jobs and driving innovation in the region.”
“St. Joseph is the optimal location for Nortian Foodtech’s first U.S. facility, offering strategic access to raw materials, efficient logistics, and competitive operating costs,” said Gabriel Prats, Founding Partner and Head of Business Development for Nortian Foodtech. “The strong support from the City, County, and State has been invaluable, and we look forward to creating jobs, driving innovation, and delivering sustainable solutions to the food industry.”
Nortian Foodtech is focused on solving the hard underlying problems in food and farming by creating new technology rooted on scientific discovery and solid engineering. By implementing cutting-edge technology and efficient manufacturing processes, the company maximizes resource utilization while reducing environmental impact.
“Team DED is excited to welcome Nortian Foodtech to Missouri,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development. “The investment not only brings new opportunities for economic growth but also strengthens the St. Joseph community with innovation, job creation, and a commitment to helping Missourians prosper.”
For this expansion, Nortian Foodtech will benefit from the Missouri Works program, a tool that helps companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation.
What others are saying
“We are excited that Nortian has chosen St. Joseph and Buchanan County for their new facility,” said Scott Nelson, Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner. “This project will bring more jobs to the community and will help grow our industrial base.”
“Our community has continued to grow in the area of food and ingredients production for many years,” said St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale. “As Mayor, I am delighted to welcome our newest corporate citizen.”
“We are very pleased to have Nortian Foodtech select St. Joseph for its first U.S. location,” said Natalie Hawn, President and CEO of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Partnership. “Nortian Foodtech will provide an innovative and quality product for the food industry. We appreciate the confidence of the company’s leadership team to select and invest in St. Joseph and in Missouri.”
About Nortian Foodtech
Nortian Foodtech is an innovative protein company committed to sustainability and circular economy practices. The company transforms meat byproducts, materials that are often discarded, into high-value, food-grade ingredients. Nortian Foodtech is aiming to radically renew the food system and find new sources of protein to encourage better ways of eating. The company is backed by leading financial and strategic investors from the U.S. and abroad, reinforcing its position as a key player in the sustainable food and ingredients production sector.
About the Missouri Department of Economic Development
The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri’s businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. As one team built around the customer and driven by data, DED aspires to be the best economic development department in the Midwest. Through its various initiatives, DED is helping create opportunities for Missourians to prosper.
For the latest updates on DED’s current or future programs and initiatives, visit DED’s website.
About the Missouri Works Program
As the state’s number one incentive tool for expansion and retention, the Missouri Works Program helps businesses access capital through withholdings or tax credits to embark on facility expansions and create jobs. This program can also help businesses purchase equipment to maintain its facility in Missouri.