Upside Foods Temporarily Halts Rubicon Plant Plans

Upside Foods, a key player in the cultivated meat industry, has recently announced a strategic shift in its expansion plans, delaying the construction of its Rubicon plant in Glenview, Illinois. This decision, revealed in correspondence obtained by WIRED, reflects the company’s response to evolving market dynamics and financial considerations.

Initially unveiled in September 2023, the Rubicon plant was intended to be a significant venture, with a footprint of 187,000 square feet and an initial capacity for producing millions of pounds of bioreactor-brewed meat annually. However, Upside has opted to redirect resources towards bolstering its existing facility in Emeryville, California, before proceeding with the Illinois plant.

CEO Uma Valeti outlined the rationale behind this decision, emphasizing the cost savings associated with expanding operations in Emeryville compared to the initial phase of Rubicon. This shift has resulted in the elimination of specific roles related to the Illinois factory, affecting 16 employees across the organization.

Despite these adjustments, Upside reaffirms its commitment to advancing cultivated meat technology. The company aims to leverage its enhanced capabilities in Emeryville to scale and commercialize next-generation products. While the construction of Rubicon may be temporarily deferred, Upside’s dedication to innovation and sustainability remains unwavering.