[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz has announced that Minnesota will receive funding to finance Bioforge Marshall LLC, a 500,000-square-foot biomanufacturing facility in Marshall. The facility, owned by climate technology company Solugen, will use Minnesota-grown corn to produce chemicals typically derived from oil, significantly reducing carbon emissions.
The project is backed by a $213.6 million loan from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office, marking the largest U.S. government investment in bioindustrial manufacturing since an Executive Order promoting biotechnology and biomanufacturing. An additional $15 million will come from the Minnesota Forward Fund, which aims to invest $400 million in business growth and provide matching funds for companies seeking federal resources. This is the second award from the Minnesota Forward Fund.
Bioforge Marshall LLC will produce organic acids for various industries, including concrete, cleaning, agriculture, and energy. The operations in Marshall are expected to reduce emissions equivalent to powering 3,500 American homes annually and create up to 100 construction jobs and 56 full-time manufacturing jobs.
The Marshall facility is Solugen’s first major expansion and will include a community benefits plan offering training opportunities and internships for local students. Construction is expected to be completed by 2025.
