Cargill Investing $50M to Expand Australian Oilseed Crush Capacity

Cargill announced it is investing $50 million (AUD 73 million) on upgrades and expansionary improvements at its oilseed crush facilities in Newcastle, Narrabri, and Footscray, Australia, in order to keep pace with climbing international demand for canola and cottonseed oils, and to improve access to global markets for the country’s farmers.

Used across a range of products, including bio diesel and feed stocks, Australian canola is in high demand from global markets. As a key supplier of high-grade canola oil to customers in Australia and Asia, Cargill stated it is investing to expand its crush capacity for increased production of canola oil and meal, as well as cottonseed oil and meal.

Projects are to include an upgrade and restart of the company’s plant at Narrabri, which has been retrofitted into a cottonseed dehulling facility. The hulls will head to the domestic feedstock industry, while the cottonseed meat will be transported to Newcastle where it will be processed into oil and meal.

The Newcastle facility is being upgraded to add cottonseed processing to its existing canola processing capabilities. It also will see upgrades to its equipment for increased throughput, and for efficient transport and delivery.

The company’s Footscray plant also will be upgraded for higher canola crushing capacity, better equipment, and modifications that will increase efficiencies, both logistically and for the customer experience.

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