February 24, 2015

Cargill completes $12.5-million expansion of S. Africa premix facility

Driven by increased demand for animal feed products throughout the sub-Saharan African region, commodities trader Cargill has completed a US$12.5-million expansion of its premix facility in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, the company announced.

The expansion includes new equipment, technology and resources to increase the plant's efficiency and improve product quality. 

"Our team of dedicated people take great pride in producing high-quality, safe animal feed products to meet our customers' expectations," said Gudo klein Gebbink, Cargill's regional director for the Provimi brand in Sub-Saharan Africa. "Cargill's resources and know-how will play an important role in strategically supporting our customers' future growth needs through on-farm management and technical expertise."

The state-of-the-art facility combines the latest feed safety technology and product quality capabilities, including automated barcode scanning and ingredient dosing. The design provides operational flexibility and minimal cross-contamination risk.

Increased production capacity

The Pietermaritzburg facility positions Cargill to achieve its growth plans through increased production capacity and flexibility in product manufacturing, packaging and logistics.

David Webster, president and business leader of Cargill Animal Nutrition's premix business said, "In addition to producing animal feed products that contribute to feeding billions of animals which ultimately reach the dinner tables of more than 1 billion people every day, our Pietermaritzburg facility employees support the local community and provide assistance to many worthy organizations".

"We understand how important it is to be both a viable business and a good neighbor in the community, and we work hard to fill both needs", he added.

Cargill gained control of Astral Foods in 2012, holding 75% interest following the acquisition of half the interest of the leading integrated poultry producer, which now owns the remaining 25% in the company.