Liberation Labs on Wednesday announced the first customer at its biomanufacturing plant currently under construction in the Midwest Industrial Park in Richmond.
Vivici is a Dutch ingredients startup whose dairy protein ViviteinBLG can be used in protein drinks, protein powders and vegan-friendly protein bars, New York-based Liberation Labs said.
The dairy protein will be produced at the company’s $115 million facility on a 36-acre lot in the industrial park. Production is expected to begin in 2026. Plans for the plant were announced in January 2023.
“Vivici is a perfect reference case for our facility — a company seeking cost-effective and sustainable manufacturing of a novel protein ingredient that unlocks a range of other healthy and innovative products,” Mark Warner, founder and CEO of Liberation Labs, said in a news release. “We love what Vivici is doing and will be proud to play a role in their success.”
Once operational, the precision fermentation biomanufacturing facility is expected to have a capacity of 600,000 liters. It is expected to produce a range of bio-based materials, including food ingredients, chemicals and other industrial products.
Precision fermentation combines the process of traditional fermentation with advances in biotechnology to produce proteins without the need for animals.
Earlier this year, the company secured $50.5 million in capital to complete the facility, Inside INdiana Business reported.
The company plans to add 45 jobs at the facility.
The Richmond plant is the company’s first. A feasibility study for a plant in Saudi Arabia is underway, the company said.
Vivici, founded in 2023, announced in February that it had received $33.7 million in Series A funding as it looks to expand into new markets, add products and establish long-term manufacturing capabilities.
“As awareness of the important role protein plays in supporting active lifestyles continues to grow, American consumers are demanding higher quality and greater quantities of protein in their diets.” Vivici CEO Stephan van Sint Fiet said in the release.