Archer Daniels Midland announced plans Thursday to cease operations at its Bushnell, Illinois, soy protein production facility as part of a broader initiative to streamline its global manufacturing network.
The agricultural processing giant will shift production to its recently recommissioned soy protein facility in Decatur, Illinois, and other plants across its global network.
"Across ADM, we continue to advance our portfolio optimization initiatives and operational excellence agenda," said Ian Pinner, president of ADM's Nutrition business. "Optimizing our soy protein production network is an example of how we're strengthening our asset platform."
The restructuring aligns with ADM's focus on "cost management, enhanced productivity, targeted simplification, strategic growth and capital discipline," according to Pinner.
Company officials expect operating profit to improve as the Decatur plant achieves manufacturing efficiencies and rebuilds its specialty ingredients business.
ADM committed to a "smooth, planned transition" for affected customers and promised to prioritize "treating any affected colleagues with respect" throughout the process.
The company did not specify a timeline for the Bushnell plant closure or disclose how many employees would be affected.
