Cargill to expand refined oils facility in Sidney, Ohio

Global food company Cargill has announced plans to invest approximately $225m to expand its integrated soybean crush and refined oils facility in Sidney, Ohio.

With the expansion, the company will be able to better serve area farmers and meet growing demand for protein and refined oils.

The investment will help Cargill to increase its soybean crush capacity and upgrade its operations. It will create better market access for farmers’ crops in the area.

Furthermore, it will facilitate the quick delivery of soybeans as the upgrade of the facility would help in unloading the trucks at a faster rate.

Cargill North America agricultural supply chain business commercial leader in eastern region Don Camden said: “Farmers are at the core of our business. This investment will help us provide them with 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.”

Additionally, the facility expansion would see the supply of larger amounts of crude soybean oil to Cargill’s adjacent refined oils facility.

The expansion works are slated to be completed in 2022.

Cargill noted that the expansion will increase the employment opportunities in the region and also boost the local economy during construction.

Sidney Mayor Mike Barhorst said: “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.”

The crushing facility was opened in 1978, and a decade later, a refinery was added to it.

Last month, Cargill invested $5m at its Mouscron facility in Belgium to improve capabilities at the plant to produce chocolates with reduced sugar levels.

The investment comes in response to the increasing demand for chocolate products with less sugar content.