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Leprino Nutrition has completed a $35 million expansion at its Lubbock, Texas, facility, quadrupling its production capacity for microparticulated whey protein.

The expansion, which adds to the site's existing sweet whey operations, will focus on consolidating externally sourced whey solids. Lubbock will join Leprino Nutrition's Fort Morgan, Colorado facility as one of two sites dedicated to microparticulated production.

The investment comes as demand for protein-fortified food and beverage products continues to increase, with manufacturers seeking to raise protein content while maintaining taste, texture and product stability.

Angela Queneau, senior director of research and development at Leprino Nutrition, said: “Microparticulation is one of the most technically demanding and commercially promising formats in specialty protein today. With our investment in Lubbock, customers can benefit from advanced dairy science coupled with supply confidence to formulate ambitious, high-protein products.”

The expansion will support production of MP PRO C80, Leprino Nutrition's microparticulated whey protein concentrate.

The ingredient is designed to provide a creamy, fat-like mouthfeel and texture while enabling manufacturers to increase protein levels without creating excessive thickness or chalkiness.

According to Leprino Nutrition, MP PRO C80 uses a patent-protected process to produce uniformly sized protein particles similar to milk fat globules. This is intended to create a creamy texture and low viscosity at high protein concentrations.

The ingredient can be used across a range of applications, including puddings, desserts, baked goods, snacks, dips, dressings, sauces and ice cream.

Leprino Nutrition said MP PRO C80 also offers stability during high-heat processing, along with low-to-no foaming for formulations requiring high protein density and a smooth taste.

The company said the expanded Lubbock facility will enable it to supply microparticulated whey protein at greater scale, while improving supply reliability for manufacturers developing high-protein products.

“Demand for protein-fortified food and beverage products continues to grow as consumers pursue dietary and nutrition goals across all categories,” said Leprino Nutrition.

“As brands push protein levels higher, many run into formulation challenges that impact taste, texture, and stability, which can undermine a great consumer experience.”

Leprino Nutrition is the speciality ingredient division of Leprino Foods Company. The business supplies dairy-based ingredients including whey protein, lactose, micellar casein and sweet whey to food and beverage manufacturers in more than 70 countries.

The company said the Lubbock investment strengthens its position in specialty proteins by combining increased manufacturing capacity with its dairy processing expertise.