SIDNEY, OHIO, U.S. — Cargill is investing $225 million to expand its soybean crush and refined oils facility in Sidney, Ohio, U.S. It will increase crush capacity, modernize operations as well as create greater market access for farmers’ crops in the area. The upgraded facility also will unload trucks more efficiently and faster for farmers delivering soybeans.

“Farmers are at the core of our business,” said Don Camden, commercial leader for the eastern region of Cargill’s agricultural supply chain business in North America. “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.”

The crush facility originally opened in 1978 and added the refinery about a decade later. The expansion of the crush plant will provide Cargill’s adjacent refined oils facility with a larger, direct supply of crude soybean oil.

“The increased capacity will strengthen and expand our U.S. crush footprint, enable us to meet the growing demand for soy products from our customers and further integrate our refined oil capabilities,” said Warren Feather, Cargill managing director of global crush.

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, Ohio U.S.

“Cargill’s decision to choose Ohio was a collaborative effort with the company, JobsOhio, the Dayton Development Coalition and the Sidney community,” said Mike DeWine, governor of Ohio. “This investment will secure full-time jobs at Cargill’s facility, create construction jobs for two years, and increase the demand for soybeans from local farmers.”

Cargill employs more than 1,400 people at 19 facilities around Ohio and the company noted its total direct investment in Ohio prior to this project is approximately $970 million.

“Since Cargill began operating their soybean crush plant in Sidney, they have been outstanding corporate citizens,” said Mike Barhorst, mayor of Sidney. “Recognized and respected for their impressive stature in the community, Cargill has contributed to numerous good causes. Those causes have ranged from feeding the hungry, education and literacy to recreation and public health.”