NEW ULM — In 2019, Firmenich began an expansion project to increase production capacity in the plant.

At this time Firmenich employs 110 people in production, quality control, maintenance, shipping and receiving. The expansion is expected to create roughly 15 new jobs.

Plant Controller Douglas Durbala said the expansion will also give the company access to newer equipment.

Director of Operations Terry Kuechle said it is a great opportunity for Firmenich.

“This expands the facility’s capacity and firmly establishes Firmenich in New Ulm for the long term,” he said. The expansion is a commitment to the community and shows trust in the workforce of New Ulm, he said.

The expansion project began three years ago. Initial construction began in spring 2019.

Commuters driving by the building during construction will notice most of the addition is enclosed, but one section remains open. This is to allow support equipment to be placed inside by crane.

By expanding the plant’s size, Firmenich is able to produce more products. Kuechle said there is an increased demand for their product.

Firmenich is a flavoring company that makes flavoring ingredients added to a wide variety of products. This includes everything from beverage flavoring to healthcare and meat products. There are few aisles in the grocery store that don’t feature a product Firmenich flavored.

“You don’t see its name on a lot of finished products,” Kuechle “but our component is a part of a lot of products.”

The company estimates 8 million people worldwide touch a product flavored by Firmenich on a daily basis.

The average customer might not know about Firmenich’s involvement but the companies that need flavoring know who to call for this specialized work.

The process of adding flavor to food products is a delicate procedure. The flavoring percentages must be just right to achieve the desired taste.

Durbala said for some of the flavors, they are measuring the impact down at the molecular level.

Kuechle said it is also important to have a consistent product so the flavor is the same every time.

One of the unique aspects of the company is learning how different parts of the world view flavors. Durbala said a flavor loved in America might not be popular in other parts of the world.

“There are flavors coming we haven’t even thought of,” Durbala said “That’s what every year holds for us. Someone comes in with a new flavor that you’ve never thought of.”

“It is a constantly evolving category,” Kuechle said. What people like for flavor is always in flux. A flavor you think you know will change in ten years.

“My favorite flavor is strawberry,” Durbala said, “but what strawberry tastes like today is different from what it was five years ago and in five years it will be different again.”

In addition to being a sought after flavoring company, the Firmenich company has received awards for environmental stewardship.

Durbala said it is an invisible aspect of the company, but they are proud of it. The Firmenich plant is landfill-free. This means none of its waste goes to landfill. It is either recycled or incinerated.

Kuechle and Durbala said there is a company-wide initiative to be environmentally friendly. The Firmenich company has a global perspective with plants around the world. The New Ulm plant is one of five facilities in North America. With the new expansion, the New Ulm plant will become one of the flagship operations in the Firmenich family.