Onego Bio selects Jefferson County for flagship US egg protein manufacturing facility

Onego Bio has announced plans to establish its flagship manufacturing facility in Jefferson County, Wisconsin, where it will produce Bioalbumen, a fermentation-derived egg protein powder designed to match the taste, nutrition, and functionality of conventional eggs. The company has acquired 25.9 acres within the county’s Food and Beverage Innovation Campus for US$777,000, with the facility expected to be operational by 2028.

The Jefferson County Board of Supervisors approved the land purchase in December, welcoming Onego Bio as the second tenant in the innovation hub. The site will combine bioprocessing and large-scale manufacturing, with a production capacity equivalent to the output of six million laying hens.

“At Onego Bio, we are committed to building a more resilient, sustainable food system – one that ensures stability for manufacturers, reduces supply chain volatility, and supports long-term food security,” commented Maija Itkonen, Co-founder & CEO of Onego Bio (pictured middle). “This region offers the right combination of infrastructure, logistics, and proximity to key partners to help us scale Bioalbumen and bring its benefits to more customers. We’re thrilled to join this thriving hub of food and beverage innovation.”

Onego Bio’s expansion into Wisconsin highlights the state’s growing role in biotechnology and sustainable food production. The company’s fermentation-based approach provides an alternative protein source for food manufacturers, which account for a third of all eggs used in industrial food production. By bypassing traditional egg supply chains, the technology helps mitigate risks associated with price volatility, production disruptions, and the ongoing threat of Avian Influenza.

Jefferson County officials welcomed the investment, emphasizing its economic and technological significance. “Onego Bio’s investment in Jefferson County reflects the strength of our Food and Beverage Innovation Campus and our dedication to fostering cutting-edge companies in the industry,” said Deb Reinbold, President of Thrive Economic Development.

For Onego Bio’s Co-founder & Chief Technology Officer, Dr Christopher Landowski, the project represents a return to his roots. A Wisconsin native and University of Wisconsin-Madison biochemistry graduate, Landowski sees the facility as an opportunity to contribute to the state’s innovation landscape. “Bringing our first US manufacturing facility to Jefferson County feels deeply personal,” he said. “Wisconsin’s rich history in biotechnology and its innovative spirit make it the perfect place to scale Bioalbumen and transform the future of food production.”

Onego Bio joins a growing number of food and beverage manufacturers investing in Jefferson County. Kikkoman Corporation recently broke ground on a 240,000-square-foot soy sauce and seasoning facility, while Nestlé Purina is undertaking a US$195 million expansion of its Jefferson facility. These investments further establish the region as a hub for food innovation and advanced manufacturing.