Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) is investing in the construction of a new plant to process sunflower seeds and soybeans at the site of its existing facility in Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina.

The investment will expand LDC’s industrial network in Argentina, reinforcing oilseed processing capabilities in one of the country’s most prominent sunflower production regions. It aims to address growing global demand for vegetable oils across food applications, as well as biofuels.

Once complete, the new facility is expected to reach a daily crushing capacity of up to 4,000 tons of sunflower seeds or soybeans. This contributes to year-round operational optimisation, greater flexibility in processing multiple crops, and increased connectivity with international markets for regional growers.

Construction is expected to begin by the end of 2026. The facility will be integrated with LDC’s storage, logistics and deep-water port infrastructure at the site.

Equipment specifically designed for efficient oilseed processing will be installed as part of the investment. This includes preparation systems for cleaning, dehulling, conditioning and flaking, alongside high-capacity presses and high-efficiency solvent extraction technology.

The plant will also benefit from an integrated area for seed reception and loading of processing byproducts such as meals, pellets and oils, as well as enclosed conveyor systems designed for continuous operation and enhanced emissions control.

Advanced automation and integrated material handling systems will also be in use, as well as thermal energy infrastructure based on fully renewable biomass (sunflower husks), aiming to reduce carbon emissions and optimise energy usage for efficiency.

Michael Gelchie, LDC’s group CEO, said: “This investment reflects Argentina’s role as a strategic market for LDC, combining a strong agricultural production base with industrial, logistics and export capabilities to connect local production with global markets”.

He added: “Representing one of the company’s largest investments in Argentina over the past decade, and its first greenfield development in that time, the expansion of our capabilities in Bahía Blanca reflects our long-term commitment to supporting the country’s agro-industrial development, including through investments that strengthen export competitiveness in Argentina and the region”.