Solugen, a rapidly scaling climate technology company revolutionizing everyday chemicals, broke ground on its new state-of-the-art biomanufacturing facility today during a ceremony held in Marshall, Minn. The new facility is the result of a strategic partnership with ADM, a global leader in sustainably sourced solutions from nature, and aims to meet the increasing demand for sustainable solutions while bolstering domestic biomanufacturing capabilities. 

The 500,000-square-foot Bioforge™ Marshall is being constructed on a 34-acre parcel adjacent to ADM’s existing corn processing complex. The facility will utilize ADM-sourced dextrose to manufacture low-carbon organic acids for applications in water treatment, agriculture, energy, and home and personal care.

Gaurab Chakrabarti, CEO and Co-Founder of Solugen. “As the demand for sustainable products continues to rise, we look forward to partnering with our customers in their decarbonization efforts.”

Bioforge™ Marshall will house three modular trains, or production lines, boasting a total production capacity of up to 120 kilotonnes per annum (KTA) of product. The pioneering process employed by Solugen’s Bioforge™ Marshall facility is estimated to avoid the emissions of up to 18 million kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year compared to the base case of similar petrochemical and fermentation-based products.

“Solugen’s chemienzymatic technology is a transformative force in sustainable chemical manufacturing,” said Sean Hunt, Co-Founder and CTO of Solugen. “The new facility will significantly increase our existing capabilities, enabling us to expand the market share of low carbon chemistries.”

Solugen has initiated collaborations with local educational institutions and workforce development groups, including Marshall Public Schools, Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU), Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council, and Marshall Chamber of Commerce.