ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, U.S. — Bunge North America has unveiled two proposed projects that would include a relocation of the company’s headquarters as well as the development of a new product innovation center.

As part of the relocation of company headquarters, Bunge has proposed moving to a site located next to Highway 40 (Interstate 64) in Chesterfield, Missouri, U.S. Currently, the company’s headquarters are located in Maryland Heights office park. The new four-story headquarters would replace Bunge’s current location, which includes two separate buildings. The 145,000-square-foot, open-concept structure will enhance Bunge’s collaborative culture, the company said.

“Bunge is proud to have been a part of the St. Louis community for more than 25 years,” said Todd Bastean, chief executive officer of Bunge North America. “We are excited to remain in the region because this community is connected to so many links in the ag value chain. As we move to this new campus, we are creating a wonderful environment for our colleagues who are critical to our success in meeting the growing global demand for our products and services.”

The company intends to keep its existing 557 jobs in the St. Louis, Missouri, U.S., area and add 160 jobs over the next decade.

In addition to relocating its headquarters, Bunge said it has purchased a building in Missouri Research Park in St. Charles, Missouri, U.S. The facility will house Bunge’s innovation center, which will include pilot plants for oil and milling products as well as a test kitchen.

“Today’s announcement that Bunge North America will not only stay in St. Louis but also expand significantly is a big win for the region and the state of Missouri,” said Gov. Jay Nixon of Missouri. “With the state’s unemployment rate at a 15-year low, Missouri's economy continues to accelerate, and expanding companies like Bunge North America are leading the way.”

Bunge North America is the North American operating arm of White Plains, New York, U.S-based Bunge Ltd., a global agribusiness and food company operating in more than 40 countries with approximately 35,000 employees. Bunge buys, sells, stores and transports oilseeds and grains to serve customers worldwide; processes oilseeds to make protein meal for animal feed and edible oil products for commercial customers and consumers; and mills wheat, corn and rice to make ingredients used by food companies.