Bangor Daily News:
Heiwa Tofu, a Maine-based tofu manufacturer founded in 2008 by former science teacher Jeff Wolovitz, is undergoing a major expansion to double the size of its Rockport facility from 2,800 to nearly 6,000 square feet. The company has grown rapidly, increasing production from 2,500 pounds per week in 2016 to 15,000 pounds currently. With the expansion—expected to finish in early 2026—Heiwa aims to boost output to 20,000 pounds per week and eventually reach 25,000–30,000 pounds.
The $1.5 million project, partially funded by federal grants, will also add new equipment, solar panels, and more employees. About a third of Heiwa’s soybeans come from Aroostook County, helping qualify it for state-administered grants supporting Maine-grown products. Heiwa tofu is sold across the Northeast in stores like Hannaford and Whole Foods, as well as locally as discounted “factory seconds.” Wolovitz credits the company’s growth to product quality and increasing demand for plant-based foods.
Categories: Business