A company that produces biological products from natural bacteria focused on agricultural applications announced it will expand its facility in Osage, in northern Iowa’s Mitchell County. According to a news release, the expansion will allow Valent BioSciences LLC to meet increasing demand for its products and for the introduction of new products. Construction is set to begin this summer with completion expected in the second quarter of 2024. The company will be installing production-style fermentation and recovery equipment with full digital capabilities to make products that increase crop yields, preserve forests, and protect people and animals from diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, fleas and ticks, company officials said in the release. A new pilot plant will be included in the project, and be used to accelerate the introduction of new products and enhance the analysis and improve performance. Laboratory, office, maintenance and warehouse areas also will be expanded as part of the plan to house more employees and enhance the workplace environment. The company currently employs more than 100 people at its Osage facility. Earlier, the company announced it was developing a 34-acre native prairie at its facility in Osage, as well as the construction of a solar field on 12 acres that will provide 8% of the energy used by the plant.