Cargill to spend $225M to expand soybean crush, add jobs

The Shelby County crush facility originally opened in 1978, with the refinery added a decade later. Today, the site serves as a link between soybean farmers in the region and consumers both nearby and around the globe, the company said.

The expansion of the crush plant will provide Cargill’s adjacent refined oils facility with a larger, direct supply of crude soybean oil. In addition to the new jobs and the benefits to farmers, the expansion will boost the local economy during construction, the company said.

“Farmers are at the core of our business. This investment will help us provide them a better experience when they choose to sell their crops to us,” said Don Camden, commercial leader for the eastern region of Cargill’s agricultural supply chain business in North America. “This also demonstrates our commitment to invest in and grow with the Sidney community.”

Warren Feather, Cargill managing director of global crush, said the increased capacity will strengthen and expand the company’s U.S. crush footprint and enable it to meet the growing demand for soy products around the world.

Cargill employs more than 1,400 people at 19 facilities around the state. Cargill’s total direct investment in Ohio to date prior to this project is approximately $970 million, the company said.

“Cargill’s decision to choose Ohio was a collaborative effort with the company, JobsOhio, the Dayton Development Coalition and the Sidney community,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “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.”

Sidney Mayor Mike Barhorst said Cargill’s investment in Sidney represents a commitment to the area’s agricultural community.

“Since Cargill began operating their soybean crush plant in Sidney, they have been outstanding corporate citizens,” Barhorst said. “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.”

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