Chr. Hansen, Hørsholm, Denmark, purchased the Banker Wire manufacturing facility in Mukwonago, Wis., in convenient proximity to its Milwaukee base. The purchase is in response to an ever-growing interest from U.S. consumers in products made from natural, recognizable and safe ingredients, the company said.

The acquired facility will be renovated to become the new North American headquarters for the company’s Natural Colors Division. Chr. Hansen said the facility will house production, research and development, application and quality assurance labs, a pilot plant, a dedicated warehouse, and sales, marketing and other business support functions. 

The company said the expansion will strengthen its ability to deliver natural color solutions to current and future customers. The state-of-the-art site will enhance speed to market, based on more flexibility in production and supply chain.

Chr. Hansen, which has been present in the North American market since 1878, will take over the building next year and initially employ 70 to 80 people.