The Fufeng Group operates several large-scale production facilities in Northern China and counts as the world’s largest producer of starch-based food and feed ingredients with a strong record of manufacturing fermentative feed additives; it also manufactures products targeted at the pharma, health and wellness, and oil and gas sectors.
The bio-fermentation specialist, according to an announcement by local officials, conducted an extensive search throughout the US for a suitable location that could support the project with 25 sites ultimately being submitted by local governments for consideration.
Corn usage
After a 16-month comprehensive evaluation process, Grand Forks has been selected. The site chosen is around 370 acres in Grand Forks’ agri-business park. The facility is expected to initially require 25 million bushels of corn annually.
“Adding value to our corn and other raw commodities is critical to North Dakota’s long-term economic success, and this value-added project represents a huge opportunity for producers and workers in the Grand Forks area and our entire state,” commented North Dakota governor, Doug Burgum.
The size of the investment or the products that will be made at the Grand Forks location were not disclosed.
The plant, once operational, is expected to employ 233 people directly, while an additional 525 indirect jobs will also be created, for a total of over 750 new jobs in the region, noted Keith Lund, CEO of the Grand Forks region economic development corporation.
Fufeng executives are set to visit the North Dakota location next week, to meet with state and local leaders to further continue the due diligence and work towards getting a development agreement completed, reported local officials.
