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The exterior construction works of SIA “ASNS Ingredient” pea protein factory at 13 Prohorova Street are nearing completion – the buildings have already taken shape, and by the onset of winter, most of the exterior works will be finished, with equipment installation continuing inside.

Although the set deadlines have been quite ambitious, everything is currently progressing according to plan, says Edgars Ruža, Member of the Board of ASNS Ingredient.

“We have completed the construction of the necessary buildings, and to reduce dust, mud and noise caused by heavy machinery, we have asphalted a large part of the factory’s territory. However, asphalting and landscaping works are still ongoing. During the winter months, intensive work will continue indoors — finishing the premises, installing utilities, and assembling production equipment. This process will continue until the autumn of 2026, after which specialists will begin equipment testing and the factory start-up phase,” explains E. Ruža.

The pea protein factory in Jelgava, with planned investments of up to €150 million, is set to become the most advanced facility of its kind in the world. It will not only produce high-quality plant-based protein products but also create more than 100 new jobs.

“Our priority is to employ local residents rather than bringing in workers from other regions. For this reason, the new factory will be a significant benefit to the Jelgava community — it will create job opportunities, provide stable income for families, and increase tax revenues for the city’s budget. Moreover, local people will have the chance to work in a modern, internationally operating company that promotes professional growth and strengthens Latvia’s position as an industrial hub for ‘new food’ production,” explains Edgars Ruža, Member of the Board of ASNS Ingredient, adding that the project will also improve the surrounding environment for Jelgava residents.

“As a native of Jelgava, it’s very important to me that our city becomes a better place to live and work,” says Ruža. “We will ensure that the area around the factory is tidy and friendly to our neighbours. The banks of the Lielupe River and the nearby floodplain meadows will remain open to anglers and leisure visitors, preserving and enhancing the existing opportunities for recreation and enjoying nature. It’s also important to emphasize that the new factory will be environmentally and community friendly — with no odours, dust or noise. We have made significant investments in modern technologies to minimize any potential impact on the surroundings and ensure that the facility does not disturb nearby residents.”

To promote transparent and effective communication with the local community, the company has set up an email address — kaimini@asnsfood.com — where residents are encouraged to send their suggestions, questions or complaints. “Of course, it’s important to understand that construction inevitably causes temporary disruptions,” Ruža acknowledges. “Our task is to minimize them as much as possible so that, in the end, Jelgava gains a modern production facility, new jobs, and a more attractive environment.”

He adds that the project will also drive broader regional development. “Once the factory is established, it’s likely that other manufacturing companies will emerge along the same street, creating even more opportunities for employment and local growth. According to the current project timeline, construction will be completed next summer, the buildings will be commissioned by mid-year, and production is expected to start in early 2027,” notes Edgars Ruža, Member of the Board of ASNS Ingredient.

Jaunā ražotne pārstrādās 70 000 tonnu zirņu gadā un ražos zirņu proteīna izolātu, cieti, proteīna koncentrātu un šķiedrvielas. Zirņus, kas būs ražošanā izmantotā pamatizejviela, piegādās Latvijas zemnieki, bet saražoto produkciju plānots eksportēt visā pasaulē. Tieši Latvijas lauksaimniekiem pieder vairāk nekā 50 procenti rūpnīcas kapitāldaļu.