Meridian Biotech to Open New Facility in Partnership With Buffalo Trace Distillery

Press Release

MERIDIAN BIOTECH TO OPEN NEW FACILITY IN FRANKLIN COUNTY SET TO TRANSFORM DISTILLERY BYPRODUCTS INTO ALTERNATIVE PROTEINS
In partnership with Buffalo Trace Distillery, Meridian will invest $40 million to construct an innovative facility and create dozens of new jobs in the community

Transforming Stillage into Sustainable Protein

FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 14, 2025) – Meridian Biotech today announces a new partnership with Buffalo Trace Distillery that aims to improve global food system security by converting the Distillery’s byproduct into multifunctional alternative proteins. Meridian will invest $40 million to construct the state-of-the-art conversion facility in Franklin County, creating up to 35 high-tech, high-paying local jobs and positioning the Commonwealth at the forefront of sustainable food innovation.

A Closed-Loop System for Innovation

The new Meridian facility will utilize novel technology that converts Buffalo Trace stillage, a natural byproduct of the distilling process, into multifunctional alternative proteins. In its new form, the stillage, which will be piped directly from the Distillery to Meridian’s Frankfort facility, can be used in a variety of industries, including aquaculture (fish farming), pet foods, and the production of organic fertilizer.

Vision from Meridian Leadership

“By reimagining distillery stillage as a resource rather than a byproduct, we’re pioneering new pathways in biotechnology that have the potential to transform the spirits industry,” said Brandon Corace, President of Meridian Biotech. “Like Buffalo Trace, we are committed to making a long-term, positive economic impact on the community. We believe our technology will play a pivotal role in enhancing Buffalo Trace’s commitment to innovation, as well as setting a new standard for the spirits industry. We could not be more pleased with the close working relationship with Buffalo Trace, in addition to welcoming support from local and state officials.”

Roots in Kentucky’s Distillers Grains Competition

Meridian was one of five companies selected across the United States to present its innovative technology at the Distillers Grains Reverse Pitch Competition in October 2021. The event, sponsored by the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet and the Cabinet for Economic Development, challenged innovators to create new ideas that tackle the growing need to address the bourbon industry’s spent-grain byproduct, while also prioritizing sustainability, environmental impact and economic value.

Statements from Kentucky Leadership

Governor Andy Beshear said, “We are proud to welcome Meridian to Frankfort. This investment not only brings high-quality jobs and strengthens our economic future, but it also opens exciting new pathways for sustainability within Kentucky’s iconic bourbon industry. It’s partnerships like these that prove we can honor tradition while embracing transformation and Kentucky can be a leading force in the biotech industry.”

Buffalo Trace Supports Innovation

“As Master Distiller, I have studied the distilling process and always respected the full journey from grain to glass. Working with Meridian allows us to take our processes even further by transforming stillage into something with extended value and purpose,” said Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller at Buffalo Trace Distillery. “This partnership is a natural extension of our craft, and we are thrilled by what’s possible with Meridian’s technology.”

Community Support for Meridian’s Investment

Frankfort Mayor Layne Wilkerson offered, “We’re thrilled to welcome Meridian Biotech to Frankfort, the result of a strategic effort to attract investment in the growing biotech sector and another sign of our city’s economic momentum. Their groundbreaking approach to repurposing distillery byproducts complements Frankfort’s commitment to innovation, our deep bourbon heritage, and Buffalo Trace Distillery’s dedication to excellence. Having spent time with Meridian’s leadership, I’m confident their presence will significantly boost our community and demonstrate to other innovative companies that Frankfort is the right place for business. We appreciate the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s efforts in supporting this venture and look forward to Meridian’s continued growth and success.”

Franklin County Judge Michael Mueller remarked, “We thank Meridian Biotech for their catalytic investment in Franklin County. Their commitment to sustainable and transformative technologies are a great match with our aspirations. Buffalo Trace Distillery continues to invest in being a model environmental steward and corporate citizen. These two companies together demonstrate how bright the future is. We also want to thank Team Kentucky for their assistance helping Meridian Biotech find a home in Franklin County.”

Looking Ahead

Meridian is the first biotech company to locate in Franklin County. Construction is expected to begin on the new facility later this year.

Here are a few other articles about sustainability to read next: Castle & Key Distillery Expands Sustainability Efforts and Kentucky Bourbon Industry Invests $2.8 Million to Support Sustainable Corn Regenerative Farming Practices.

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