With a new headquarters for its North American protein operations in Wichita, Kan., Cargill is focused on inspiring the future of protein. The new state-of-the-art building was created as a destination to retain and recruit top talent and immerse customers in innovative culinary and food sensory experiences.

Designed for collaboration and growth, the headquarters connects Cargill’s 800 Wichita-based employees with 28,000 additional colleagues across North America and more than 3 doz. protein production facilities in the U.S. and Canada.

“We want to help make Wichita the Silicon Valley of protein, bringing together the best minds, innovation and technology in the industry,” Cargill Protein president Brian Sikes said.

Crowdsourced solutions from employees guided the design of the 188,000 sq. ft. building, which includes outdoor Wi-Fi lounges, game tables, grills and a firepit and flexible workspaces with easy access to shopping and culinary experiences in Wichita’s Old Town District.

Benefits of the space include:

“Our customers rely on us to bring insights to the table and anticipate what consumers need and want,” Sikes said. “This building, along with our existing Cargill Innovation Center, creates a destination for customers to tap into our expertise and experience the future of protein.”

Cargill, in its quest to be a good corporate citizen, partnered with many local contractors and vendors for the new headquarters project. Over the past two fiscal years, Cargill has also donated more than $2 million in financial support to a variety of nonprofits in Wichita and surrounding communities focused on nutrition, food security, sustainability and building connected communities.