Food ingredient company Bunge North America has revealed that it is planning to construct a first new processing plant to improve its soybean processing capabilities in the Eastern US.

The company further said that they are considering two locations for the new facility, namely Ohio and Indiana.

Bunge North America oilseed value chain executive vice-president Tim Gallagher said: “As we evaluate the long-term demand for soy products, we see the need to improve our asset footprint in the Eastern US, a key market.

“A state-of-the-art facility in the Eastern Corn Belt that incorporates the latest productivity, safety and sustainability features combined with an increase in overall efficiency of our existing footprint will ensure Bunge can serve growing demand in the south-eastern US feed and export markets.”

“As we evaluate the long-term demand for soy products, we see the need to improve our asset footprint in the Eastern US."

once the site has been finalised, Bunge will be working towards obtaining required approvals from the regulatory authorities and proceeding with the project, which would be expected to go online by the end of 2019.

Bunge North America supplies raw and processed agricultural commodities and specialised food ingredients to a wide range of customers, including food processors, and foodservice and bakery industries.

Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Bunge North America and its subsidiaries operate oilseed processing plants, edible oil refineries, and corn, wheat and rice mills in the US, Canada and Mexico.