USA – Construction has officially begun on Louis Dreyfus Co.’s new soybean processing plant in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, a project announced by the commodity trader in October 2023.
The June 27 groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of a significant project for the company, which aims to expand its presence in the edible oil and animal feed markets.
The facility is scheduled for completion in March 2026, and once operational, it will have the capacity to crush 1.5 million tonnes of soybeans annually, yielding 320,000 tonnes of soybean oil.
This expansion will enhance Louis Dreyfus Co.’s (LDC) market position, particularly in renewable energy feedstock markets.
“The new facility will boost LDC’s presence in growing edible oil and animal feed markets and create opportunities in renewable energy feedstock markets, further reinforcing LDC’s position as a trusted partner to food, feed, and energy industry customers,” the company stated.
The Upper Sandusky plant will employ over 100 local workers and be integrated into LDC’s regional industrial and logistics network, strengthening the company’s infrastructure and operational efficiency.
“This strategic development will further strengthen LDC’s core merchandising capabilities with additional capacity to originate and process US soy into value-added products—in this case, edible oils and lecithin—reinforcing our position as a partner to our customers as we grow our Food & Feed Solutions business established in January,” LDC’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael Gelchie had commented last year.
In addition to this project, LDC has been actively expanding its operations in North America. Just a month after announcing the Ohio plant, LDC revealed plans for a new pea protein plant in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Earlier in 2023, the company also announced an expansion of its canola processing complex, also located in Yorkton.
The new production plant, slated for completion by the close of 2025, is poised to revolutionize the market by providing customers with taste-neutral, highly functional, and nutrient-rich ingredients.
These offerings will cater to various segments, including dairy alternatives, high-protein nutrition solutions, and other plant-based applications. Moreover, the facility will bolster LDC’s existing pea protein isolate and non-GMO soy isolate offerings.
With an anticipated workforce of approximately 60 individuals, the plant is poised to stimulate local employment opportunities while reinforcing LDC’s presence in the region.
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