GROUND has been broken on the build of MiAlgae‘s major new scale-up facility in Grangemouth.
The Scottish biotechnology company produces sustainable microalgae-based Omega 3 ingredients, with the new site set to increase the supply of such products for the global pet food industry. The facility is backed by a joint investment of up to £3 million by the UK and Scottish governments.
The large-scale facility, going live in early 2026, will increase MiAlgae’s pet-nutrition Omega 3 output more than tenfold, enabling manufacturers to incorporate premium DHA into dry, wet, and supplement formats without relying on wild caught fish oil.
The expansion will also save six billion fish annually by replacing marine-sourced Omega 3s; recycle 36.1 million litres of whisky by-products through MiAlgae’s circular process; and create hundreds of new green jobs in biotechnology, engineering, and production at full scale.
MiAlgae’s process upcycles Scotland’s whisky industry by-products to grow microalgae naturally rich in DHA, an essential fatty acid linked to improved skin and coat health, cognitive function, joint mobility, and immunity in pets. The result is a fully traceable, vegan, and low-carbon Omega 3 ingredient that aligns with consumer demand for sustainability and transparency in pet nutrition.
Douglas Martin, founder and CEO of MiAlgae, said, “Breaking ground at Grangemouth marks an exciting new chapter for MiAlgae. Our mission has always been to make a meaningful impact, tackling overfishing, reducing waste, and creating sustainable value from industrial by-products. This new facility is a huge step towards delivering that mission at scale, bringing new, high-quality green jobs to the local area, and helping Scotland lead the way in this exciting new biotech industry.”
The facility is designed with modular scalability, allowing MiAlgae to meet growing demand from pet-food and aquaculture brands alike. Located close to both key raw-material suppliers and major customers, the site will support a low-carbon supply chain for pet-nutrition manufacturers across the UK, EU, and U.S.
MiAlgae’s investment forms part of Project Willow, the Scottish government initiative aimed at transforming Grangemouth into a hub for green technologies.
UK Government energy minister Michael Shanks added, “Today we’re taking another step forward as we back the first new project at the site, creating hundreds of new, decent jobs and attracting further investment in the area.
“This project, alongside the £200 million of funding pledged from the National Wealth Fund, is part of our clear strategy for Grangemouth’s industrial future. A strategy with workers, unions, businesses, and the wider community at its heart.”
Jan Robertson, director of Grangemouth transition at Scottish Enterprise, said, “It’s wonderful to see MiAlgae break ground on its first commercial-scale plant. We’ve worked with the company since 2016, aiding its ambitious growth with a mix of advisory and funding support. Grangemouth is the perfect location for this innovative Scottish scale-up to grow and prosper, bringing high-quality jobs and supply chain opportunities to the community.”
