Cargill is expanding its soya bean crushing operation in Borg El Arab, Egypt with an investment of US$100mn
The investment will double the facility’s capacity for soya bean crushing by adding a 3,000 metric tonne (MT) production line. It will allow the company to leverage its existing crush capabilities to maximise economies of scale and efficiencies in its production process for both soya bean meal and oil.
The crushing plant will be equipped with the latest technology, allowing the production of improved high protein meal, a fast-growing product segment in the local market. As part of the investment, Cargill will install equipment that will enable significant savings in power consumption for the new and existing plants.
The company will also construct an additional 42,000 MT of storage capacity within its existing premises at the port of Dekheila in Alexandria. The extension of the Dekheila facility, which discharges, stores and handles imported grains and oilseeds, will enable Cargill to optimise its supply chain, allowing for enhanced efficiency in the timely delivery of grains to its Egyptian customers and to its crushing plant at Borg El Arab.
“This investment fits with our strategy of growing our business in Africa and the Middle East,” said Johan Steyn, head of Cargill’s grain and oilseeds business in the Middle East and Africa. “The demand for soya bean meal and oil continues to grow, and expanding our capabilities in Egypt will enable us to better serve our customers in the local market with high quality products, crushed and produced locally.”
Construction at the soya bean crushing facility is due to commence in November 2015 and the expanded facility is expected to be operational by mid-2017. Work to increase the storage capacity at the port of Dekheila will also commence in November 2015 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2016.
