DENVER — Planterra Foods, a business unit of JBS SA, has opened a new 189,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Denver.

With the plant opening, Planterra said it hopes to increase production and expand the brand to more consumers and retailers. The company will employ approximately 200 at the plant.

“This is a huge milestone for Planterra Foods, and a dream come true to be manufacturing our OZO products here in our hometown of Denver,” said Darcey Macken, chief executive officer of Planterra Foods. “We knew Colorado was the perfect place to begin and grow this company, and with our incredible team of passionate, problem-solving food lovers, I’m confident that Planterra will continue to grow the world of plant-based with the best-tasting foods in the market. We can’t wait to share what’s in store with new products, innovations and growth for our community in the future.”

The manufacturing plant opening comes just a few months after Planterra opened its new headquarters in Lafayette, Colo. The headquarters features a new office space as well as an R&D innovation center.

The innovation center will focus on testing and developing new ingredients and product innovations with a goal of providing reliable, affordable access to plant-based food.

In June 2020, Planterra Foods introduced the OZO line with the launch of plant-based burger patties, grounds and Mexican-seasoned ground meat alternatives that are sold in the refrigerated section of supermarkets. The company followed that up with the launch earlier this year of frozen foods to be sold under its OZO brand. The line includes plant-based burgers and breakfast sausage as well as plant-based meatballs, plant-based chicken patties and plant-based chicken nuggets.