Work has started on a new Eau Claire campus for Ohly, a maker of yeast-based and nutritional products owned by British-based ABF Ingredients. The company marked the groundbreaking for the $274 million project after buying a roughly 70-acre site in the Gateway Northwest Business Park, a purchase the City Council approved in April.
City economic development specialist Kendall Williams said ground leveling began after the sale closed in August, with the formal groundbreaking in mid-September. Ohly shared news of the milestone online on Oct. 27.
The first phase is a 22,000-square-foot spray drying facility expected to be finished in May 2028. Williams said that phase should create about 30 manufacturing jobs, in addition to the staff at Ohly's existing plant in Boyceville.
Two later phases will add about 122,000 more square feet. In total, the campus is expected to reach about 157,000 square feet and create roughly 90 to 100 jobs, with development continuing through 2035.
When complete, the Eau Claire site will serve as Ohly's North American campus. Venture Drive is also being extended to serve the site and neighboring lots.
