Kikkoman Foods Inc. has broken ground for its third manufacturing plant in Jefferson County and an expansion to its existing plant in neighboring Walworth County, Wisconsin. To support this fresh investment, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC) plans to provide the Japanese soy sauce maker up to $15.5 million in performance-based tax credits.
Kikkoman’s expansion in Wisconsin will inject $800 million into the state’s economy and create 83 new jobs over the next decade. The Walworth facility, opened in 1973, is the company’s highest-producing soy sauce factory globally.
Meanwhile, the plant in Jefferson City is scheduled to start operations in 2026 and will focus on soy sauce-related products, like teriyaki sauce. Aside from enhancing efficiency and scalability, the facility will bolster Kikkoman’s sustainability efforts by using renewable energy sources and equipment with lower CO2 emissions.
WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes welcomed the announcement: “Fifty years ago, Kikkoman made history by choosing Walworth, Wisconsin for its first international brewing plant. Now, by expanding its presence in Jefferson, Kikkoman is opening a new chapter in its history.”
Jefferson City Mayor Dale Oppermann expressed appreciation for Kikkoman’s continued trust in the region: “Kikkoman’s decision to invest in Jefferson underscores the strength and appeal of our local food and beverage niche. We look forward to a long, prosperous partnership.”
Meanwhile, Kikkoman Chair and honorary CEO Yuzauro Mogi said the company’s choice of Wisconsin was rooted in several factors, among them its location, which provided convenient market access, as well as its skilled workforce, easy availability of raw materials, an abundance of clean water, the collaborative spirit of the local community.
“We look forward to expanding our footprints in Wisconsin and establishing a supply chain with increased stability in North America,” he also said.
Over the past five decades, Kikkoman has transformed rural Wisconsin through partnerships with the local community, donating more than $17 million to charitable organizations.
As one of the first production facilities set up by a Japanese company in the United States, the Walworth plant is seen as a valuable symbol of the close business and cultural partnership between the two countries.
“Whether it’s providing thousands of jobs, bolstering our economy or providing us and the world with phenomenal soy sauce, Kikkoman is doing good work across Wisconsin and the country. I am grateful for their continued partnership and expansion in Wisconsin,” said Gov. Tony Evers.
