US-based agri-processing company Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) has unveiled a new soybean processing plant in Villeta, Paraguay, a move which creates 160 direct jobs.
The new facility is located adjacent to the existing ADM fertilizer-blending facility in Villeta and has a daily processing capacity of 3,500 tons. It expands ADM's South American oilseed crush capacity by more than 20%.
According to the company, the location of the complex is near a port facility on the Paraguay River, which allows for efficient crop-origination and export capabilities.
ADM executive vice president and chief operating officer Juan Luciano said this is yet another step forward as the company work to implement its strategy to expand its operations in the world's key growing regions.
"The strategic location of our complex in Villeta enables the full integration of our logistics."
"Our barges arrive here with inputs for the production of fertilizers and leave loaded with our soy products. Trucks arrive with soy sourced from different regions of the country, and return to the field with fertilizers designed to meet the many and varied demands of productive, modern farmers," Luciano added.
ADM stated that the facility includes several elements designed to improve sustainability, an integrated water treatment system, and biomass-fuelled electric power generation.
The company worked with government agencies and educational institutions, including the Engineering University of Asunción (UNA) and SINAFOCAL, to create and help operate a three-month programme in order to assess and train local men and women to fill jobs at the facility.
