Israel-based ICL, a developer and producer of fertilisers, metals and other special-purpose chemical products, has opened a new US manufacturing facility in St Louis, Missouri.

The 929m2 factory will produce a plant-based meat substitute for use by food companies, food service distributors, restaurants and supermarket chains. At full capacity, it will produce more than 15 million pounds of product per year.

Chris Millington, executive vice-president of food and phosphate specialty products, said: “This new facility will help meet the growing demand for innovative plant-based foods and meat alternatives – especially ones that deliver an eating experience similar to that of conventional meat products.”

In addition, chief executive officer of Greater St Louis Jason Hall noted: “This is an exceptional investment in our region’s growing food and agtech sector and it highlights our increasing strength innovating to shape the future of the industry, including plant-based proteins.”

ICL employs more than 12,000 staff worldwide, including 300 based in the US. The new factory will complement the company’s existing facilities in Missouri including corporate offices in Creve Coeur, a research and innovation hub in Webster Groves and a production campus in Carondelet.