A Canadian company specializing in high-quality, plant-based protein is now using a Galesburg factory for the production of a new protein powder made from yellow field peas.
Burcon NutraScience Corporation on Monday announced its first successful run of Peazazz C pea protein in the Galesburg plant at 701 W. Sixth St.
“The successful startup of our Galesburg facility marks a key operational milestone in Burcon’s commercial scale-up,” said Kip Underwood, Burcon’s chief executive officer, in a release. “In less than 90 days since commissioning, our team has brought next-generation protein production online, enabling us to meet accelerating customer demand and unlock scalable revenue opportunities.”
Burcon announced in March that its alliance partner, RE ProMan LLC, purchased the Galesburg plant.
The sale price was more than $3.8 million, according to property records.
Once an OptaFoods production facility, the plant was acquired in 2020 by Innovative Production USA, which also produced plant-based protein there.
John Vassallo, a Burcon director, said the Galesburg facility was the company’s top choice for production of Peazzaz C because it had the infrastructure needed.
Production at the Galesburg plant transforms the yellow peas into light-colored protein isolates with a neutral flavor, which then can be used in dairy alternatives, baked goods, protein bars, and other products.
With the acquisition of the Galesburg facility, the company intends to meet revenue targets of up to $3 million this year and more than $10 million next year.
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