Locus Fermentation Solutions (Locus FS; Solon, Ohio), a leading green tech company that produces biological alternatives to traditional chemicals, has expanded its operational footprint by 100,000 square feet. The expansion includes two state-of-the-art biomanufacturing facilities. They enable Locus FS to increase its biological production capacity by 3x to meet growing demand and support global sustainability efforts across key sectors.
“Through our expanded facilities, Locus FS is strategically positioned to meet the growing demand for sustainable biomanufacturing domestically and globally,” said Andrew (Andy) Lefkowitz, chairman and chief executive offer of Locus FS. “We are dedicated to being leaders in biological innovations that support our partners in their decarbonization goals and actively contribute to a more environmentally conscious, yet profitable future.”
Phase one of Locus FS’ expansion includes two new cutting-edge biomanufacturing centers (source: Locus FS)
The new biomanufacturing facilities are located in Solon, Ohio, near the company’s current headquarters. The expansion positions Locus FS as the leading U.S. supplier of biologicals that outperform chemicals. They’re designed to decarbonize key global sectors, including:
- Agriculture and farming
- Oil & gas
- Mining
- Consumer packaged goods
- Industrial applications
The expanded production capacity caters to the needs of blue-chip partners such as Dow. Locus FS has an exclusive biosurfactant distribution agreement with the chemical company in the global home and personal care markets.
Both campuses feature cutting-edge, low-carbon technologies that reduce environmental impact and provide significant cost and energy savings. Advanced automation systems and optimized workflow processes minimize contamination risks, boost productivity and lower operating costs with expedited production time.
“Locus FS’ patented fermentation technologies allow rapid scaling to meet market demand—with the ability to have production facilities operational within 9 months versus years,” said Scott Weber, vice president of production at Locus FS. “This expansion is just phase one; but our new facilities have the potential capacity to reach 2.5 million kilograms of biosurfactant production annually in the future.”
The startup of the two ISO-9001 certified facilities has also generated employment opportunities. Collaborating with local economic development initiatives, Locus FS has already doubled its production staff and hired key professionals in project engineering and fermentation engineering. The company is actively hiring leadership positions and aims to double its facilities team by the end of the year.
Recent legislation has highlighted the urgent need for increased domestic production of biologicals. This includes the Biden administration’s Executive
Order on Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation for a Sustainable, Safe and Secure American Bioeconomy. Locus FS stands at the forefront as a key solution to strengthen the national biomanufacturing capacity.
Lefkowitz emphasized the pressing need for the U.S. to invest in expanding its biomanufacturing capabilities.
“There exists a notable shortfall in domestic and global fermentation capacity, with current production levels failing to meet worldwide demand,” Lefkowitz said. “We take great pride in driving the innovation and scaling capabilities needed to optimize biomanufacturing. Our goal is to make high-performing biological alternatives to chemicals available around the world in every industry.”
Locus FS has 1,400+ patent filings on its biomanufacturing and biological innovations. The company has raised more than $250 million—including a recent $117 million in debt financing based on the value of its Intellectual Property (IP), which was used in part to fund the expansion.