Kikkoman, the world’s leading manufacturer of traditionally brewed soy sauce, ushered in a new chapter this week at a groundbreaking ceremony for a major new production facility in Jefferson, WI.

The new 100-acre site was chosen following a nationwide search, including 64 locations in the Midwest. The new 240,000-square-foot Kikkoman facility will house a 200-acre Food and Beverage Innovation Campus. 

Fully integrated and highly automated, the facility will be a model of state-of-the-art food manufacturing that is designed for flexibility, speed, efficiency and scalability. In keeping with Kikkoman’s commitment to sustainability and stewardship, the facility will also reduce CO2 emissions by installing energy-efficient equipment, minimizing waste, and proactively using renewable energy. 

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“We have always valued Walworth for its great market access, outstanding workforce, central location for raw materials, pure water, and the open-hearted spirit of partnership of the local community,” said Mr. Yuzaburo Mogi, honorary chief executive officer and chairman of the board of Kikkoman Corp. 

“We chose Jefferson for those same reasons, and we look forward to expanding our footprint in Wisconsin and establishing a supply chain with increased stability in North America, Kikkoman’s largest overseas market.”

“Kikkoman’s decision to invest in Jefferson underscores the strength and appeal of our local food and beverage niche,” said Jefferson Mayor Dale Oppermann.  “We appreciate the trust Kikkoman has placed in our community and look forward to a long, prosperous partnership.”

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50+ years in Wisconsin

Kikkoman’s origins can be traced back more than 300 years to the mid-1600s when a family began brewing soy sauce along the Edo river, not far from present-day Tokyo. By the early 20th century, Kikkoman began exporting its soy sauce to the U.S.

In 1973, as US demand for soy sauce reached an all-time high, Kikkoman established Kikkoman Foods, Inc. (KFI), its first U.S. production facility in Walworth, WI, becoming one of the first Japanese companies to establish a major manufacturing plant in the U.S. 

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Since that time, the Walworth location has become Kikkoman Group’s highest-producing soy sauce facility in the world, the company expanded to open a second production facility in California and the company has contributed more than $17 million to charitable causes in the local community and beyond. The Jefferson facility will further cement the company’s commitment to Wisconsin.

Investing in Wisconsin

The ground-breaking ceremony, which kicked off to the sounds of Japanese taiko drums and a traditional Shinto ceremony, celebrated the expansion of a company that has played a vital role in the Wisconsin economy for more than half a century.

Chairman Yuzaburo Mogi spoke to the company’s longstanding commitment to the state. “Today, we are committing to an investment in the community of Jefferson and the state of Wisconsin,” he said. “Kikkoman believes in Wisconsin, and we are grateful to this great state for believing in us. Our collaboration began half a century ago as a leap of faith, and today, it continues as a promise of continued growth and cultural connection.”

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Meanwhile, Governor Tony Evers extolled the value the company continues to bring to the state.

“Today’s events are a watershed moment in Wisconsin’s relationship with a global brand like Kikkoman. As one of the state’s largest trade partners, the strong connection between Wisconsin and Japanese businesses like Kikkoman has been instrumental in driving Wisconsin’s economic growth, bolstering innovation, and creating valuable employment opportunities for communities and families across the state. 

“Now, we are adding Kikkoman’s new facility here in Jefferson to the growing footprint of leading Japanese businesses in Wisconsin, and I’m proud about the promise this relationship continues to hold for Wisconsinites and the future of our state.”