UPPER SANDUSKY, Ohio – Ohio’s soybean producers received great news earlier this month when Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) announced it is planning a new soybean processing plant in Upper Sandusky with an annual crush capacity of 1.5 million metric tons, equivalent to more than 55 million bushels.

The facility is expected to have a significant impact on Ohio’s soybean industry, representing around 20 percent of Ohio’s 2022 soybean production. The project is seen as a long-term investment in Ohio’s soybean industry, benefiting farmers and the animal agriculture sector.

LDC, a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods, will invest roughly $500 million to construct the new plant in Wyandot County, bolstering the region’s economic growth in the critical food and agriculture sector.

“LDC choosing Upper Sandusky for its expansion grows our robust agricultural industry and adds to the list of innovative companies choosing Ohio because of our talented workforce and dedication to business growth,” said Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted. “The positive ripple effect of this project on local communities and across the state is something we look forward to seeing.”

Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development, echoes that sentiment.

“This is a memorable moment for the people of Wyandot County,” Mihalik said. “This significant investment by LDC, and the 100 new jobs that will be created out of it, not only will strengthen the economy throughout the region, but are proof that Ohio is an attractive landing spot for businesses looking to expand.”

Soybeans are Ohio’s top exported agriculture product. There are approximately 26,000 soybean farmers in Ohio, and the annual economic impact from soybean production in Ohio is $5.3 billion. LDC’s modern processing plant will have integrated crushing, edible oil refining, and lecithin production and packaging capabilities.

According to the Ohio Department of Agriculture, soybeans are cleaned, cracked, de-hulled and rolled into flakes to separate the oil and meal components during processing. Soybean byproducts include tofu, soymilk, edamame, soy nuts, sprouts, miso and soy sauce. Soybean oil is also used in salad dressings and mayonnaise, as well as in industrial products such as plastics and biodiesel.

“This collaborative effort will bring 100 new jobs and cutting-edge technology that will serve as a magnet for future investment in this critical sector,” said J.P. Nauseef, JobsOhio president and CEO.

Wyandot County has long been recognized as a center for manufacturing, agri-business, and farming, backed by an ideal location and highly skilled workforce. According to Wyandot County officials, LDC has found an ideal environment for their new plant with the collaboration of JobsOhio, Regional Growth Partnership, Wyandot County Economic Development and the City of Upper Sandusky.

The soybean industry in Ohio is experiencing a significant expansion in crush capacity due to increased demand for soybean oil in both food and biofuel applications.

“Reflecting our long-term commitment to North America is a key market for LDC, both in terms of origination and distribution, and this new facility will leverage LDC’s existing regional logistics network and synergies with our other integrated oilseed processing facilities in the region,” said Gordon Russell, LDC’s U.S. head of Grains & Oilseeds. “We have a recently expanded crushing, biodiesel refining, and glycerin and lecithin production complex in Claypool, Ind., and our canola processing plant in Yorktown (Saskatchewan) Canada, which we are also expanding.”

Louis Dreyfus Company will start construction in early 2024 on the facility in Upper Sandusky. Construction is expected to finish by 2026. The new facility will have an annual soy crushing capacity of 1.5 million metric tons, annual edible soybean oil production capacity of 320,000 metric tons and annual lecithin production capacity of 7,500 metric tons.