Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE: ADM) today announced plans to
build a biodiesel production facility in Rondonopolis, Mato Grosso,
Brazil with an annual capacity of 180,000 metric tons. The plant will
use soybean oil as its feedstock and is competitively positioned to meet
the large anticipated demand from soybean producing farmers as well as
from the Brazilian road and rail transport industries. Additionally, it
will be strategically located adjacent to ADM’s existing soybean
crushing plant in Rondonopolis to maximize synergies between ADM’s
Brazilian origination, transportation and processing capabilities.
“ADM is a leader in the production of biodiesel in Europe, and we are
pleased to use that extensive experience to help meet the demand for
this biofuel in Brazil,” stated Matthew Jansen, President-South American
Operations. “As a world leader in soy processing and biofuel production,
our participation in the Brazilian biodiesel market is a complementary
fit for our business.”
This biodiesel plant will be operational in the first half of 2007,
ahead of the anticipated increase in demand due to the mandate that all
diesel fuel sold in Brazil include 2% biodiesel beginning in 2008, and
5% biodiesel beginning in 2013.
“The Government of the State of Mato Grosso recognizes the importance of
renewable fuels, and we are pleased that ADM, a world leader in
bio-based fuels, has chosen our state to build its first Brazilian
biodiesel plant,” stated Blairo Maggi, Governor-Mato Grosso. “This plant
will contribute significantly towards reducing agricultural production
costs, as well as having a very positive economic and environmental
impact on the citizens of Mato Grosso and all of Brazil.”
Biodiesel is a vegetable oil-based fuel made from renewable crops that
burns cleaner than traditional petroleum-based diesel fuel. Biodiesel
works in diesel engines, improves air quality by reducing greenhouse gas
emissions and is a growing fuel source for the world.
Construction on the plant is dependent on final engineering and permit
approval.
About ADM
Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) is a world leader in agricultural
processing and fermentation technology. ADM is one of the world’s
largest processors of soybeans, corn, wheat and cocoa. ADM is also a
leader in the production of soybean oil and meal, ethanol, corn
sweeteners and flour. In addition, ADM produces value-added food and
feed ingredients. Headquartered in Decatur, Illinois, ADM has over
25,000 employees, more than 250 processing plants and net sales for the
fiscal year ended June 30, 2005 of $35.9 billion. Additional information
can be found on ADM’s Web site at www.adm.com.
ADM Media Relations
217/424-5413
media@adm.com