JANESVILLE. WIS.  — GEA has broken ground on its technology center for alternative proteins facility in Janesville, Wis., that will produce plant-based, microbial and cell-based foods.

Facility features include pilot lines for cell cultivation and precision fermentation.

“This investment underscores our commitment to innovation and sustainability in the food industry,” said Arpad Csay, senior director of new food North America at GEA. “The technology center will offer foodtech businesses a platform to develop and derisk their processes to ensure technological and commercial viability. It helps startups in the sector implement a business strategy that requires little upfront investment. This way, we help accelerate the development of market-ready products.”

The center will complement an existing production facility in Janesville.

It is expected to be operational in 2025.