LANSING, MICHIGAN, U.S. — Quality Roasting, LLC has been awarded a $80,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant to be used toward the construction of a new soybean processing plant in Reese, Michigan, U.S.

The new soybean crush plant is expected to process raw soybeans into soybean meal and crude oil, primarily for use in the dairy industry.

Quality Roasting, LLC was established in 2018 as a joint venture between Quality Roasting, Inc. and DeLong Co., Inc. The JV said it plans to follow a similar business model to parent Quality Roasting, Inc. and will heat and press the soybeans to extract the crude oil. The remnant then will be used for feed for dairy cattle.

Quality Roasting said it expects to use approximately 2.2 million bushels of soybeans, or about 2% of Michigan’s state-wide annual soybean yield.

“Quality Roasting is excited to be part of the Michigan community,” said Erin Davis, director of business operations for Quality Roasting. “We appreciate all the support we have received from the state, county and township. We look forward to bringing more value to Michigan soybean producers.”

Jeff Mason, chief executive officer of the Michigan Economic Development Corp., said the new processing facility will help the state’s agriculture and food processing industries become more competitive.

“As a result, livestock farmers and consumers will benefit,” Mason said.

In January, the Michigan Strategic Fund also approved a bond authorizing resolution for the issuance of $10 million in private activity bonds for Quality Roasting to acquire land, construct the facility and acquire and install machinery and equipment.