Global food company Cargill has announced its plans to invest $475m to bolster its US soy processing operations to enhance capacity and market access.

The company plans to modernise and expand its network of crushing facilities across seven states in the country.

Cargill Agricultural Supply Chain North America managing director Warren Feather said: “We are positioning ourselves to meet the growing global and domestic demand for soy products both in food and fuel markets.

“These investments will better enable us to serve our end-use customers, while also providing greater market access and a better experience for farmers.

“Investing in our plants to better support our customer’s businesses is critical to create mutual value and ensure a healthy operating environment, while continuing to assess the needs in the market.”

Cargill stated that some of the largest projects will take place in Sidney, Ohio; Wichita, Kansas; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Kansas City, Missouri.

Upon completion, the investment is expected to increase capacity by 10% in one location while doubling the capacity in another.

Cargill said that the investment will facilitate faster unloading of oilseeds and loading of products, and the increased capacity is expected to enable additional market opportunities.

The investments create an opportunity to better serve customers on both ends of the supply chain.

Cargill stated that all facilities will operate during the construction and expansion works.