New Wisconsin Soy Plant
Kikkoman Opens $560 Million Production Facility in Wisconsin to Expand North American Operations
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Key Points
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Soy sauce brewing at the Jefferson plant began in May to allow time for the product’s required multi-month fermentation process before the first commercial shipments.
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Kikkoman’s Walworth facility, opened in 1973, has increased its output 30-fold over five decades and is described as the highest-producing soy sauce facility in the Western world.
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The Jefferson opening ceremony incorporated Japanese and local elements, including traditional taiko drumming, a shodo calligraphy demonstration and a performance by Jefferson High School’s Vox a cappella ensemble.
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Governor Tony Evers said Kikkoman has demonstrated to Japanese business leaders that Wisconsin is a place where international companies can “succeed, build trusted partnerships, and become valued members of their communities.”
Japanese soy sauce maker Kikkoman has opened a $560 million production plant in Jefferson, Wisconsin, marking its third U.S. facility. Food and Beverage News reports the 240,000-square-foot plant will produce soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, and other seasonings for North American retailers, restaurants, and food manufacturers, with shipments beginning later this fall.
The highly automated facility is expected to create more than 80 jobs and represents a major expansion of Kikkoman's Wisconsin presence. The company has now invested more than $800 million across its Jefferson and longtime Walworth operations, which opened in 1973 and has grown 30-fold over five decades.
Fermentation Timeline Begins Months Before Shipments
Soy sauce brewing started at the Jefferson plant in May to allow the product's required multi-month fermentation process to finish before commercial shipments. Japan Times reports the new facility is expected to produce around 4,000 kiloliters of soy sauce by March next year, demonstrating the careful timing needed for this traditional condiment.
Wisconsin's Walworth Plant Becomes World Leader in Output
Kikkoman's existing Walworth facility, opened in 1973, has become the highest-producing soy sauce plant in the Western world. Over five decades, the plant increased its output 30-fold, proving Wisconsin's value as a manufacturing hub for the Japanese company's global operations.
Opening Ceremony Blends Japanese and Local Traditions
The Jefferson facility's opening celebration reflected both Kikkoman's heritage and its community roots. Japan Times reports the event featured traditional taiko drumming, a shodo calligraphy demonstration, and a performance by Jefferson High School's Vox a cappella ensemble.
Governor Highlights Wisconsin's Appeal to Global Companies
Governor Tony Evers praised Kikkoman as a model for how international businesses can thrive in Wisconsin. Evers said the company has demonstrated that Wisconsin is a place where global companies can "succeed, build trusted partnerships, and become valued members of their communities," signaling the state's efforts to attract major manufacturing investment.
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