STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN — Lantmännen Biorefineries has inaugurated its new SEK 800 million ($73.95 million) production facility for extraction of wheat protein (gluten) in Norrköping, Sweden, significantly increasing production capacity to meet demand.

Interest in plant-based proteins is increasing as more businesses discover new uses for the ingredients in food production. The wheat comes directly from arable land and cooperative member Swedish farmers. Without intermediaries, the quality of the raw material, production capacity and the quality of the wheat protein extracted are ensured at a very high and consistent level, the cooperative said.

“The demand for Swedish wheat protein is high both nationally and internationally,” said Lars-Gunnar Edh, head of Energy Sector, Lantmännen. “It is very positive that we can offer more customers our high-quality wheat protein.”

The investment in the new production facility, which will employ 30 people, is a significant expansion of the business in Norrköping.

“Through this investment, we strengthen the robustness of Swedish food production and increase export opportunities, while creating additional value from Swedish arable land and our members' farms,” said Magnus Kagevik, group president and chief executive officer, Lantmännen. This is yet another important milestone in Lantmännen's strategy from field to fork.”