SunOpta completes $26M expansion at Modesto, Calif. facility

SunOpta announced it has completed a $26M expansion at its Modesto, Calif. facility. “As the second largest project in the company’s history, the expansion allows SunOpta to increase the amount of oatmilk produced annually by more than 60%, meeting ongoing customer demand and demonstrating SunOpta’s commitment to plant-based beverage production. Commercially launched in May, SunOpta’s Modesto oat extraction production line uses proprietary enzymatic processes to break down whole oats into a liquid oatbase that will then be used to make oatmilk and other products such as plant-based yogurt and ice cream. The new expansion has created 17 new jobs in the community. SunOpta supplies liquid and dried oatbase as an ingredient to companies large and small, manufactures oatmilk for leading brands and food service operators throughout the country and produces private label oat-based products for many top national retailers.” “Through this significant investment in Modesto to produce more oatbase, we’re well positioned to meet the increasing market demand for plant-based milk and other oat-based products,” said Brian Kocher, CEO of SunOpta. “We are also pleased to bring 17 new positions to our Modesto team and continue making a positive impact in the communities in which we work and live.”