Cargill announced it is investing $100 million to double the capacity of its soybean oil crush operation in Borg El Arab, Egypt to meet the increasing demand in the country for soybean meal and vegetable oil. 

The company will also construct an additional 42,000 metric tons of storage capacity within Cargill's existing premises at the port of Dekheila in Alexandria.

The expansion at the soybean crush plant will add a 3,000 metric ton production line to Cargill's existing facility. The crush plant will be equipped with the latest technology, allowing the production of improved high protein meal, a fast growing product segment in the local market.

The extension of the facility at Dekheila, which discharges, stores and handles imported grains and oilseeds, will enable Cargill to optimize its supply chain and allow for better delivery efficiency, the company said.

"This investment fits with our strategy of growing our business in Africa and the Middle East," said Johan Steyn, head of Cargill's grain and oilseeds business in the Middle East and Africa. "The demand for soybean meal and oil continues to grow, and expanding our capabilities in Egypt will enable us to better serve our customers in the local market with high quality products, crushed and produced locally."

 Construction on the crush facility will begin in November the expanded plant is expected to be operational by mid-2017. Work to increase the storage capacity at the port of Dekheila will also begin in November and is expected to be completed by the end of 2016.