USA – Wisconsin Whey Protein Inc. has announced the construction of a new whey protein isolate (WPI) production facility at its Darlington, Wisconsin, site.
The company reported that the expansion, scheduled for completion in early 2026, will allow the facility to produce up to 13 million pounds of WPI annually.
The company, which also operates a WPI production facility in Turtle Lake, Wisconsin, cited growing consumer demand for protein-fortified food products and the increasing adoption of GLP-1 drugs as key drivers behind the expansion.
Wisconsin Whey Protein founder and chief executive officer K. Kachadurian described WPI as a high-quality protein source that aligns with evolving consumer preferences.
The Darlington facility currently produces barrel cheese, whey protein concentrate (80%), and lactose.
The company stated that with the additional WPI production capacity, its total output across both facilities will reach 22 million pounds per year, factoring in the 9 million pounds produced at Turtle Lake.
Wisconsin Whey Protein also shared that Stainless Technologies, its sister company, is managing the turnkey construction of the new WPI plant, handling all aspects of design, engineering, fabrication, automation, and installation.
While the company moves forward with its expansion, reports from state authorities indicate that Wisconsin Whey Protein Inc. recently settled a legal case related to environmental violations.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice stated that the company agreed to pay US$350,000 in fines and attorney fees after being found in violation of state wastewater laws and the terms of its wastewater discharge permit.
The settlement, approved by the Lafayette County Circuit Court in July 2024, addressed allegations that the company exceeded permitted limits for wastewater discharge at its Darlington site.
According to the complaint, the company discharged treated wastewater into a nearby tributary with levels of biological oxygen demand, total suspended solids, ammonia nitrogen, dissolved oxygen, pH, and temperature beyond the allowable limits.
The state further alleged that Wisconsin Whey Protein Inc. did not properly operate and maintain its wastewater treatment facility, leading to multiple spills of untreated wastewater into surrounding waterways.
The company was also accused of failing to obtain the necessary stormwater permit for its construction and industrial operations.
State Attorney General Josh Kaul emphasized the importance of compliance with environmental regulations, stating that the case serves as a reminder of the commitment to ensuring accountability for violations of environmental laws.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reported that between September 2020 and March 2022, the company experienced frequent wastewater spills due to equipment failures, electrical issues, and staff errors.
According to DNR Bureau of Water Quality Director Adrian Stocks, planned upgrades to the treatment facility as part of the settlement will support efforts to protect Wisconsin’s water resources.
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