Nature's Way Announces Construction of $12M Geothermal Project in Green Bay
Green Bay, WI - (July 9, 2025) – On a July morning in Green Bay a drill rig broke through the surface of a parking lot, marking a turning point in how manufacturers think about energy. Nature's Way, the dietary supplement and wellness product manufacturer, held a media event to announce a $12 million geothermal project at its Challenger Drive facility. The project positions Wisconsin at the forefront of commercial geothermal adoption.
The system will reduce the facility’s carbon dioxide emissions by 20% annually, an estimated 850 tons of CO₂, and dramatically reduce reliance on natural gas for heating and cooling.
From Nature's Philosophy to Underground Innovation
For a company whose tagline is "inspired by the power of nature," this investment quite literally lives up to the brand promise. Nature’s Way is tapping into the earth’s consistent 50-degree underground temperature to create a sustainable climate control system designed to operate for the next century.
“We believe in harnessing the power of nature here at Nature’s Way, and there’s really no better way than by using the Earth’s geothermal energy to support that initiative,” said Nate Sengstock, Senior Project Manager at Nature’s Way.
By the Numbers: When Geothermal Goes Big
The scale of the geothermal installation at Challenger Drive is impressive. The system requires 280 wells, each drilled 500 feet deep, forming a massive underground loop network. A water-based solution will circulate through these wells to either heat or cool the facility, depending on the season.
This geothermal system will replace five air conditioning units and six heating units, offering greater efficiency and eliminating the typical disruption that comes with large infrastructure upgrades. Nature’s Way employees won’t notice a temperature difference, but they will benefit from a cleaner, smarter energy system running quietly in the background.
Geothermal's Growing Role in Commercial Construction
Nature’s Way’s bold step reflects an emerging trend in commercial construction: the move toward geothermal as a serious alternative to traditional HVAC systems.
While geothermal has become more common in residential settings, industrial-scale applications remain rare; making this project a potential game-changer. By using the earth’s steady temperature below the frost line, geothermal systems offer efficiency, energy cost savings and long-term environmental benefits.
Wisconsin is emerging as a leader in commercial geothermal, with several projects proving its versatility. Schneider National's The Grove Innovation Center, also in Green Bay, utilizes a geothermal system that was installed using underground boring to protect mature trees on the property. The result: a 20,759 square-foot facility that marries modern technology with a deep respect for preserving existing landscapes.
“This is the largest investment Schwabe has made year to date on sustainability,” said Christine Greer, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Operations at Nature’s Way, reinforcing the project’s significance within the company’s global portfolio.
Proven Technology, Expanding Applications
Nature’s Way joins a growing list of organizations that are embracing geothermal technology across various building types.
- Fond du Lac High School features forty miles of piping circulating through three separate ponds for heat exchange.
- RiverHeath Apartments in Appleton incorporates geothermal heating alongside green roofs, efficient appliances, and river-powered energy, earning recognition from the U.S. Green Building Council.
These projects and others like them show how geothermal is integrated into schools, corporate campuses, mixed-use developments, historical sites and more.
A Model for Sustainable Manufacturing
The Nature's Way Challenger Drive plant's geothermal project demonstrates that sustainability and operational efficiencies don't have to compete. The system will provide valuable data on energy savings and emissions reduction, helping the other organizations understand what’s possible with geothermal.
With an expected lifespan of 100 years and measurable environmental impact, this project is a long-term strategy that aligns values with action.
As construction continues in the coming months, the geothermal project is likely to attract attention from sustainability advocates, industry peers, and construction professionals alike. It's more than an infrastructure upgrade; it’s a call to rethink how we power the places where we live, work, and manufacture.
With 280 wells, a century-long lifespan, and a mission rooted in nature, Nature’s Way is proving that the future of sustainable manufacturing is happening now, right beneath our feet.
Date: July 10, 2025 | Author: Tracy Lisowe
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Nature's Way Geothermal Project News
$12 million invested at Nature’s Way in Green Bay for new geothermal technology | WBAY Channel 2 07.09.2025
Nature's Way in Green Bay breaks ground on a new sustainability project: a little over a $12 million dollar investment, set to be complete by 2026.
Nature's Way uses geothermal energy in new sustainability project at Green Bay facility | Fox 11 News 07.09.2025
Nature's Way is using geothermal energy as part of a new sustainability project at its Green Bay facility, July 9, 2025.
How 280 holes in the parking lot will help Nature's Way cut natural gas use, CO2 emissions | Green Bay Press Gazette 07.10.2025
- Nature's Way is investing $12 million in a geothermal heating and cooling system for one of its Green Bay production facilities.
- The system will tap into the earth's natural temperature through 280 wells, each 500 feet deep.
- This project aims to reduce the plant's natural gas usage and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 20%.
- The geothermal system is expected to be operational by fall 2026 and last for 100 years.
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