USD132 million national security investment in demonstration-scale biomanufacturing facility

The facility will further establish the U.S. as a leader in biotechnology and biomanufacturing, support national security initiatives, boost economic opportunity, increase markets for farmers, and bring well-paying manufacturing jobs to the region.

Located at 7500 Meridian Circle North, the ~12,000m² facility will feature demonstration-scale piloting equipment, with two 25,000-litre industrial fermenters, allowing innovative companies of all sizes to take their processes to the next level as they march toward full-scale commercial manufacturing. The project represents an investment of at least USD132 million, with funding provided by the U.S. Department of Defense and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Bioindustrial manufacturing has the power to create or improve needed defence materials like lightweight composite materials, anti-corrosive lubricants, energetics and energetic precursors, fuels, high temperature-resistant foams and thermal protection systems, and more. In addition to providing key defence capabilities, bioindustrial manufacturing secures consumer supply chains for products like plant-based fabrics, detergents, paints and coatings, adhesives, beauty and personal care items, and bioplastics.

The bioindustrial manufacturing industry in the U.S. currently faces a scale-up challenge due to a critical lack of pilot- todemonstration-scale infrastructure. As a result, American companies often have to seek relevant facilities overseas, taking American R&D efforts with them and risking IP loss. In order to address this gap, BioMADE worked with partners at the U.S. Department of Defense and the State of Minnesota to establish this facility and kick off its national network.

“The U.S. has been a global leader in biotechnology research and innovation for more than 40 years. However, the country needs additional assets to bring these innovations from the lab to commercial production”, said Douglas Friedman, Chief Executive Officer at BioMADE. “BioMADE is proud to announce this exciting milestone in Minnesota, as we continue to collaborate with partners across the country to build our network of biomanufacturing facilities. The Maple Grove location will provide the industry and Department of Defense with shared access to the state-of-the-art equipment required to face the challenges of scaling up.”

Recent reports from the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology found that China has made biotechnology a strategic priority for over 20 years – and the U.S. is at risk of falling behind. This facility is one piece of the puzzle to regain America’s dominance in this critical industry for the 21st century.

“BioMADE’s announcement of Minnesota’s first in the nation pilot-scale biotechnology manufacturing facility is very exciting news”, said Betty McCollum, Representative for Minnesota's 4th congressional district. “BioMADE’s Maple Grove facility will ensure that Minnesota leads the nation in biotechnology manufacturing. This is an incredible opportunity for Minnesota companies to test and scale commercial biotechnology as we lead a revolution in biotechnology. It will also allow us to grow the biotechnology workforce of the future right here in Minnesota. As the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, I am also keenly aware of the role that a robust biotechnology manufacturing sector will play in the defence of our nation. That is why I’ve been leading on making federal investments that are necessary to realize BioMADE’s vision to develop a robust, home-grown biotechnology sector.”

Demonstration-scale facilities represent a critical step to move products out of the lab and into the defence and commercial market. BioMADE’s Maple Grove facility will have a special focus on chemicals and materials, offering the advanced security and safety capabilities, including the ability to process volatile liquids. As a multi-user facility, the Maple Grove site will serve companies across a wide range of applications, from small-scale development capabilities to commercial testing and process refinement.

The facility will include downstream processing equipment such as a centrifuge, membrane filtration skid, ion exchange columns, crystallizer, and drying, which can produce both liquid and solid final products. Lab capabilities to support demonstration-scale manufacturing will include analytical testing capabilities and process development laboratories.

The facility will also include on-site education and workforce development opportunities, with hands-on laboratory training as well as potential for training on relevant equipment and procedures for incumbent workers or students. Every job in the industrial bioeconomy generates an additional 11 jobs in the U.S. BioMADE’s network of facilities is bringing well-paying manufacturing jobs back to America for the 21st century.

“BioMADE is set to build on Minnesota's strong tradition of manufacturing, research and innovation – plus our abundant agricultural and forestry feedstocks – to help Minnesota remain a leader in sustainability innovation”, said Matt Varilek, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner. “We’re excited to position Minnesota for bioindustrial manufacturing by supporting BioMADE's investment right here in Maple Grove.” AT

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