SunOpta, a U.S.-based, global pioneer fueling the future of sustainable, plant-based and fruit-based food and beverages, today unveiled its new 65,000-square-foot global headquarters and eco-powered innovation center in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
SunOpta’s new home was designed to accelerate the speed of innovation, foster collaboration and model the company’s sustainability heritage to positively impact people and the planet. The space, featuring a pilot plant and a research and development center eight times the size of its previous location, will further expand co-manufacturing, private label, ingredient and branded product offerings across all categories.
The sustainably-designed, eco-friendly workplace is a key investment to achieving strategic business and growth goals, including doubling the plant-based business by 2025.
“Our growth ambitions required this move. We’ve grown our plant-based business by more than $100 million over the last two years through a focus on innovation and new customer development, and we expect this pace of growth to continue,” said Joe Ennen, CEO, SunOpta. “This new facility, with a full-scale pilot plant and a huge expansion of the research and development space, will allow us to aggressively develop new products and new customers.”
SunOpta hired Minneapolis firms RSP Architects and Greiner Construction to lead the building’s design and construction, respectively. Both companies brought SunOpta’s passion for sustainability to life throughout the innovative, collaborative space.
The building is utilizing many sustainable best practices, including generating more than 30% of its electricity needs from a large solar array, renewable bamboo flooring and 920 LED light fixtures.
The new center was not only built to create a sense of community and collaboration with current employees, but also to attract top industry talent. SunOpta has a global workforce of more than 1,400 employees across 14 locations in three North American countries, including more than 150 at its new location.
“Collaboration and innovation go hand in hand,” Ennen said. “While other companies are downsizing their office spaces, SunOpta is upsizing to achieve our growth ambitions by encouraging problem-solving and innovation in person. It is a simple but effective approach: build the right environment, hire the best and brightest minds and empower them to make an impact. This new space combined with our flexible approach to hybrid working brings us together to sustain innovation.”
About SunOpta, Inc.
SunOpta is a U.S.-based, global pioneer fueling the future of sustainable, plant-based and fruit-based food and beverages. Founded nearly 50 years ago, SunOpta manufactures natural, organic and specialty products sold through retail and foodservice channels. SunOpta operates as a manufacturer for leading natural and private label brands, and also proudly produces its own brands, including SOWN, Dream, West Life and Sunrise Growers.
