JEROME, IDAHO — The Scoular Company announced Aug. 11 it will construct its $13 million barley protein concentrate (BPC) manufacturing facility in Jerome. The company announced in June a partnership with Montana Microbial Products to produce and market the sustainable, plant-based protein ingredient for North American and Asian pet food and aquaculture feed manufacturers.

The facility will span 15,000 sq ft on four acres of land to the south of Scoular’s existing livestock feed ingredient facility in Jerome. Scoular expects to create 13 jobs in Jerome once construction is complete in May 2021.

“We’re very excited that The Scoular Company chose Jerome as the site for this new investment,” said Dave Davis, mayor of Jerome. “The city is grateful that Scoular continues to demonstrate its long-term commitment to our community.”

Scoular and Montana Microbial expect to produce 1.9 million bushels of barley per year, and will build in room for capacity growth over the next several years. Scoular will produce a high-energy liquid feed supplement for cattle at the new Jerome facility as well.

JC Olson, product group manager for Scoular, said the company chose Jerome due to its proximity to grain suppliers and end markets. The company already operates several grain handling facilities throughout Idaho, including its state-of-the-art livestock ingredients facility also in Jerome.

“We look forward to making this investment in both Jerome and the state of Idaho,” Olson said. “This facility and innovative barley product will create a new market and greater stability for farmers in the Magic Valley region and throughout Idaho.”

According to Scoular, Idaho is the top barley producer in the United States.

The BPC product is made from non-GMO barley and produced without the use of harsh chemicals or solvents, according to Scoular. It is intended to be a non-GMO, clean-label solution for pet food manufacturers producing high-protein formulations.

Read more about product development, ingredients and formulation.