Believer Meats CEO Gustavo Burger and COO Kash Muthuraman (pictured respectively at left and right in photo) recently meeting with US Senators Thom Tillis (seen in center of picture) and Ted Budd in Washington, reaffirmed the Rehovot, Israel-headquartered company’s commitment to invest in North Carolina.
The cultivated meat specialist, previously known as Future Meat Technologies, is building a 200,000-square-foot commercial production plant in Wilson, situated approximately 40 miles east of capital city of Raleigh. Upon opening in the second quarter of 2024 it will be the largest operation of its kind in the world, with the capacity to produce more than 10,000 metric tons of cultivated meat per annum.
The Senators, both Republicans, expressed eagerness to support Believer Meats as the company progresses toward commissioning its facility and launching product sales in the United States market.
“During our meeting, we had the opportunity to discuss the commitments we are making, the plan for commercialization, and the partnerships we have been cultivating with local research institutions and universities. We look forward to serving the Senators their first taste of Believer soon,” said Burger.
“It was great to meet with Believer Meats leaders, as they expand their presence in North Carolina. The company’s more than $120 million investment in Wilson County will employ over 100 North Carolinians and represents a major economic win for the state and region,” said Tillis. “North Carolina remains one of the best states in the country for innovative new businesses, and Believer Meats’ investment reflects that.”
When selecting the location, Believer Meats explored several established manufacturing corridors across the country. According to a press release, the company “ultimately chose Wilson County due to its abundance of highly skilled STEM professionals, thriving ecosystem of biotech and food tech companies, and the region’s success in implementing technology-driven solutions to enhance residents’ lives.”
The plant will feature proprietary, custom-made bioreactors capable of achieving high cell densities and yields using patented processes. Additionally, it will house a product and food development center, a modern kitchen for tastings, offices and conference spaces.
Founded in 2018 and having opened the world’s first cultivated meat production line in Israel three years later, the company believes that the creation of animal cells that grow forever without genetic modifications will transform the production of chicken, lamb, beef and pork products while offering environmental, health and ethical benefits. Cultivated meat production requires less land and water, and doesn’t use antibiotics.
