Cargill announced today that it is expanding and renovating its global animal nutrition innovation center in Elk River, Minnesota, located just 30 minutes from its global headquarters.
Along with a facility in Velddriel, the Netherlands and the soon to be operating Changrong R&D center in China, the US site serves as a hub of the company's global network of 15 animal nutrition research and technology application centers.
The investment of almost US$50m will go towards a new dairy innovation unit, construction of a larger onsite feed mill, the creation of a visitor’s space, and the building of a state-of-the-art laboratory for nutrient research and development. In addition, new viewing corridors will allow visitors to view the animal R&D facilities conveniently, said the company.
Designed to serve dairy, poultry, swine and aqua nutrition customers and the testing needs of other Cargill businesses, the Elk River research center hosts more than 2,000 visitors a year.
Adriano Marcon, group leader of Cargill’s animal nutrition division, said the investment was the largest that business has ever made in relation to innovation.
One year to opening of new site
Farmers, he said, are seeking products that make them more "competitive, efficient, and sustainable" in today's environment of increasingly volatile commodity markets, changing regulations and evolving consumer needs.
The Elk River site has been operational since 1958; the team there, said Cargill, develop new methods of nutrient measurement to gain further insights into how ingredients support animal performance at all life stages.
The upgraded facility will open in spring 2023. The official groundbreaking for the upgraded facility took place on Tuesday [April 19].
