November 13, 2008

Korea Business and Economic Corporation is set to construct an integrated corn processing facility in Gowa, South Sulawesi, with an investment of US$279 million.
 

The plant will produce packed corn grain, and construction will be carried out by the firm's subsidiary International Resource and Energy Development (IRED).

The plant will consist of three factories; the first will have a corn processing warehouse, corn drying silos, a granary and a packing and export warehouse; the second factory will produce pulp and paper from corn cobs and branches; and the third factory will produce compost and biogas from corn leaves, roots and skins.

IRED director Moon said the operation would depend on a cooperation with local farmers supplying corn. Gowa has been chosen for the project site as it is close to Soekarno Hatta Seaport and has a large area of corn plantations which ensure supply of raw materials, said Moon.

Gowa regent Ichsan said his administration had prepared 250 hectares on Gowa Industrial Estate for the factories. The project is expected to encompass 15,000 hectares of corn farms.

Corn production in the province is expected to reach 1.5 million tonnes next year.