Earlier this year, Enifer announced that their first €33M PEKILO® factory is fully funded and will be constructed in Kantvik, Finland. This groundbreaking facility will have an annual production capacity of 3 million kilograms of sustainable, locally sourced protein—equivalent to the protein content of meat from 30,000 cows, but with at least 20 times lower carbon emissions and significantly reduced water and land use. The factory will be the first of its kind, producing mycoprotein from industrial side streams.

Now, the time has come to turn vision into reality, as construction kicks with demolition and procurement.

“Everything is going according to plan, and we’re right on schedule. Procurement is in full swing, and the main equipment will be secured within a month. It’s an exciting moment to see our plans begin to materialize, and the momentum will only continue to grow from here,” says Risto Ikonen, Enifer’s Head of Plant Engineering.

With demolition underway, Enifer is steadily progressing towards the construction phase. Enifer has partnered with Sweco in Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM), and Sweco is responsible for the building permission processes, procurement services, project management and construction management of the new plant.

“Sweco is excited to be involved in enabling the food revolution, where domestic protein production that utilises side streams will reduce emissions from food production. Enifer’s production concept enables efficient protein production based on a circular economy, and we are grateful for the trust in our EPCM expertise. Our experience in food sector licensing will ensure fast implementation of this project,” says Thomas Hietto, Business Area President of Sweco Finland.

The plant will be built at the existing sugar manufacturing premises and will utilise the existing steam, electricity, process and cooling water, and wastewater treatment available in the area. In addition, raw materials from sugar and dairy production side streams will also be utilised.