Nortian Foodtech, LLC to Build New Facility in the Stockyard Yards Industrial Park at 2202 Alabama
(St. Joseph, MO) — Nortian Foodtech, LLC will build a new approximate 160,000 square foot facility in St. Joseph following a location search. As part of the incentive package, the company will acquire a 24-acre tract of heavy industrial land owned by the City of St. Joseph. The property is located at 2202 Alabama St. in the Stockyards Industrial Park.
The company will construct a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility with new technology that converts by-products from the meat industry—materials that are often discarded—into high-quality food-grade protein. The total project includes an estimated $22 million investment of building and equipment over a five-year period. The company projects to hire at least 138 by the end of year five of operations.
“We are proud Nortian Foodtech chose Missouri and St. Joseph for its first U.S. location,” said Gov. Mike Kehoe. “The company’s decision to invest and grow in Missouri is testament to our strong manufacturing industry and skilled workforce.”
In addition to the land, other incentives that assisted to make the project viable for Nortian Foodtech in St. Joseph include the Chapter 100 program, Missouri Works, the Buchanan County Economic Development Forgivable Loan program, along with utility economic development riders and/or rates from Evergy, Spire Gas, and Missouri American Water Company.
The St. Joseph Economic Development Partnership and Mayor John Josendale began conversations with a site consultant and company representative in July 2024. At the time, the company was conducting a search in the Midwest. The St. Joseph Economic Development Partnership and Chamber of Commerce coordinated efforts between the company and local and state agencies, as well as the utility companies, to bring the project to fruition.
“We are very pleased to have Nortian Foodtech select St. Joseph for its first U.S. location,” said Natalie Hawn, President and CEO of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Partnership. “Nortian Foodtech will provide an innovative and quality product for the food industry. We appreciate the confidence of the company’s leadership team to select and invest in St. Joseph and in Missouri.”
Andre Albuquerque, Founder and CEO of Nortian, said: “St. Joseph is the ideal location for Nortian Foodtech’s first U.S. facility. This investment strengthens our mission to transform by-products into high-value food ingredients through cutting-edge technology. We appreciate the support from local and state partners and look forward to creating jobs and driving innovation in the region.”
“We are excited to establish Nortian Foodtech in St. Joseph,” said Gabriel Prats, Founding Partner and Head of Business Development of the company. “The strong support from the City, County, and State has been invaluable, and we look forward to contributing to the local economy while delivering sustainable solutions to the food industry.”
The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce – Economic Development Partnership was proud to partner with the following organizations on the project:
• City of St. Joseph
• Buchanan County
• State of Missouri – Department of Economic Development
• Evergy
• Spire Gas
• Missouri American Water Company
“We are excited that Nortian has chosen St. Joseph and Buchanan County to locate their new facility,” said Scott Nelson, Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner.
“Our community has continued to grow in the area of food and ingredients production for many years.” Mayor John Josendale. “As Mayor, I am delighted to welcome our newest corporate citizen.”
