Louis Dreyfus Company will build a major sunflower and soybean processing plant in Bahía Blanca, boosting exports, capacity, and sustainability.
Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) has unveiled plans for a major investment in Argentina through the construction of a new oilseed processing facility at its existing industrial complex in Bahía Blanca, located in Buenos Aires Province. The new plant will be dedicated to processing both sunflower seeds and soybeans and will be seamlessly integrated with LDC’s established storage, logistics, and deep-water port infrastructure at the site. This strategic development is expected to strengthen the company’s operational capabilities while enhancing Argentina’s position as a key supplier of agricultural commodities to international markets.
The project represents a significant expansion of LDC’s industrial footprint in Argentina and is designed to reinforce the company’s oilseed processing network in one of the country’s most important sunflower-growing regions. By increasing processing capacity, LDC aims to capitalize on rising global demand for vegetable oils, which are increasingly being used in food manufacturing as well as renewable fuel and biofuel production. The investment highlights the growing importance of value-added agricultural processing as global consumption patterns continue to evolve.
Michael Gelchie, Chief Executive Officer of LDC Group, emphasized the strategic importance of Argentina within the company’s global operations. He noted that the country combines strong agricultural production capabilities with well-developed industrial, logistics, and export infrastructure, making it an ideal location for long-term investment. According to Gelchie, the Bahía Blanca expansion represents one of the company’s largest investments in Argentina over the last decade and marks its first greenfield development in the country during that period. He further stated that the project reflects LDC’s ongoing commitment to supporting Argentina’s agro-industrial sector while enhancing export competitiveness both nationally and across the broader region.
Once operational, the facility is expected to achieve a crushing capacity of up to 4,000 metric tons per day, processing either sunflower seeds or soybeans depending on market conditions and supply availability. This flexibility will enable the company to optimize operations throughout the year, efficiently handle multiple crop types, and improve access to global markets for regional farmers and producers. Construction of the plant is anticipated to commence before the end of the year.
Juan José Blanchard, LDC’s Group Chief Operating Officer and Head of Latin America, highlighted the strategic value of the investment for the company’s expanding global sunflower business. He explained that the project demonstrates LDC’s confidence in the region and its commitment to strengthening processing capabilities in a market that plays a vital role in the company’s worldwide operations. The facility is expected to become one of the largest sunflower crushing plants in the world, reinforcing LDC’s reputation as a reliable partner for growers, exporters, and downstream customers.
The new processing complex will incorporate advanced technologies specifically designed to maximize oilseed processing efficiency. Planned equipment includes modern cleaning, dehulling, conditioning, and flaking systems, alongside high-capacity pressing units and state-of-the-art solvent extraction technology. Additionally, the plant will feature dedicated facilities for seed reception and the loading of processing by-products such as meals, pellets, and oils. Enclosed conveyor systems will be installed to support continuous operations while helping reduce emissions and improve environmental performance.
Sustainability and operational efficiency are central to the project’s design. The future facility will utilize advanced automation and integrated material-handling technologies to streamline production processes. It will also be powered by highly efficient thermal energy systems fueled entirely by renewable biomass, specifically sunflower husks generated during processing. This renewable energy approach is intended to optimize energy consumption, lower operational costs, and significantly reduce carbon emissions, aligning with LDC’s broader sustainability objectives while supporting the transition toward a more environmentally responsible agro-industrial sector.
