By Scout Nelson
White River Soy Processing, LLC, an Omaha-based firm known for its soybean meal and oil production, has been chosen to spearhead the development of a new oilseed processing plant. This significant project, with an estimated cost of $400 million, will be located at the Hershey Rail Park, a 300-acre industrial rail park west of North Platte, near Hershey.
The company's recent acquisition of a soybean processing plant in Seymour, Indiana, underscores its expanding footprint in the U.S. agricultural sector. Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen lauded the Hershey facility as a promising opportunity for the state's soybean farmers and livestock producers.
Supporting this development, the Nebraska Legislature recently allocated a $30 million Rural Projects Act grant to the rail park, which is also set to welcome a new beef-processing facility. Gary Person, President and CEO of the North Platte Chamber and Development, highlighted a feasibility study that identified the rail park as an ideal location for the oilseed plant, attracting investors and solidifying the region's standing in Midwestern agriculture.
Gary Person expressed confidence in White River's professional team to successfully lead this venture, which is poised to become a cornerstone of the business park. The construction of the plant, expected to create 50 to 75 jobs, is slated to commence between late 2024 and early 2025. This initiative marks a significant milestone in bolstering Nebraska's agricultural infrastructure and employment landscape.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-gilaxia
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Soybeans