Montana Specialty Mills breaks ground on oilseed processing facility in Montana

Montana Specialty Mills has broken ground on its new $20m processing centre at AgriTech Park in Great Falls, Montana, US.

Located in a 20-acre area, the new facility is expected to be complete by late next year and will feature grain processing equipment to manufacture non-GMO products and organic oilseeds.

With this facility, the firm will be able to expand in segments such as non-GMOs, organic vegetable oils and protein meals.

Montana Specialty Mills president and CEO Steve Chambers said: "We chose our new location in the AgriTech Park because it has the infrastructure, subdivision and zoning already in place for us.

"Being able to build immediately and not worry about anything else has saved us a lot of time and money."

The 197-acre AgriTech Park opened last year and is owned by the Great Falls Montana Development Authority, which has invested more than $8m in its development.

Great Falls Montana Development Authority president Brett Doney said: "Creating a shovel-ready, rail-served heavy industrial park had been a goal of ours for years.

"We see many opportunities, not just in agricultural processing, but in energy-related manufacturing, distribution and logistics."

Montana Specialty Mills is involved in the oilseed crushing and mustard processing businesses.