Kankakee Times

Prompting local economic stimulus through expansion, R&D firm and manufacturer FutureCeuticals Inc. has plans for growth at its global hub in Momence.

Whole food plant protein forms the building blocks of this company’s product line, featuring fruit, vegetable and grain-sourced products for consumption, cosmetics and dietary supplements, according to the firm’s website, contracting with vendors internationally.

The planned $2 million expansion will add a 14,700-square-foot extension on its site, generating 20 to 30 new jobs in the next two years. Its staff has already doubled over the last six years — beginning with 370 in 2010; it now employs 680 workers.

Using strict quality control, the business strives to discover new pathways for health with a team of skilled scientists. The firm has based its international headquarters in Momence since May 2011. The construction — anticipated to be finished in July — will open up space for approximately 50 to 60 staff working within the company’s sales, customer service and marketing departments.

FutureCeuticals works closely with a sister company, Van Drunen Farms, that grows organic culinary herbs. The allied businesses jointly operate 670,000 square feet of space in nine Momence sites for manufacturing, storage, research and development, sales and administration.