A Minnesota cooperative plans to build a $240 million soybean processing plant in eastern North Dakota, according to reports in North Dakota newspapers.
Officials with Minnesota Soybean Processors say the co-op has selected a site on 150 acres near Spiritwood, North Dakota.
The company will pursue various approvals and do an engineering study. If the feasibility is proven, then work would begin on the plant that would crush 125,000 bushels of soybeans a day, according to an Associated Press story.
The plant would would produce 900,000 tons of soybean meal and 490 million pounds of soybean oil a year. Half of the oil would go into biodiesel.
The plant would use steam generated by a nearby coal fired power plant.
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum was quoted saying the plant should add up to 60 jobs and support local service companies, vendors and suppliers. It would be the first of its kind in North Dakota.
MnSP operates a soybean crush facility in Brewster, Minnesota.
