USA – Multinational agribusiness company, Cargill is planning to invest US$225 million at its soybean crush and refined oils facility in Sidney, Ohio to modernize its operations and expand the facility’s crush capacity.
Cargill said that the expansion also will enable the company to better serve area farmers and to meet growing demand for protein and refined oils.
The company claims that the investment will create a greater market access for farmers’ crops in the area as well as allow farmers to deliver their soybeans more efficiently, as the upgraded plant will unload trucks at a much faster rate.
Don Camden, commercial leader for the eastern region of Cargill’s agricultural supply chain business in North America said, “Farmers are at the core of our business.
“This investment will help us provide them a better experience when they choose to sell their crops to us. This also demonstrates our commitment to invest in and grow with the Sidney community.”
Warren Feather, Cargill managing director of global crush, added: “The increased capacity will strengthen and expand our US crush footprint, enable us to meet the growing demand for soy products from our customers and further integrate our refined oil capabilities.”
Cargill originally opened the facility four decades ago and has managed to progressively invest in the site ensuring that it serves as a vital link between soybean farmers in the region and consumers both nearby and around the globe.
The expansion of the plant will provide Cargill’s adjacent refined oils facility with a larger, direct supply of crude soybean oil.
When the expansion is complete in 2022, Cargill expects to add approximately 12 full-time jobs to the team of 325 currently employed at Sidney.
“Cargill’s continued investment in Sidney represents their commitment not only to the area’s agricultural community, but to consumers around the globe.
“Equally important, they have provided good jobs for our residents as well as the extended community. On behalf of the entire community, we welcome the announcement that Cargill has again chosen to expand operations in Sidney,” said Sidney Mayor Mike Barhorst.
Currently, Cargill employs operates 19 facilities around the Ohio State employing more than 1,400 people. The company’s total direct investment in Ohio to date prior to this project is approximately US$970 million.
