ADM began operations in Paraguay in 1997 by purchasing the local grain divisions of Glencore LTD and Silo Amambay. Today, we have more than 600 employees in Paraguay. From our headquarters in Minga Guasu, we process about 30 percent of Paraguay’s output of grain and oilseeds.
Soybean production in Paraguay has been growing, and in 2010, ADM began constructing a soybean crushing plant that will produce protein meal for animal feed, as well as vegetable oil. The new plant, with an anticipated daily crush capacity of 3,300 metric tons, will increase local crop-origination and export capacity. It will be located adjacent to an ADM fertilizer-blending plant in Villeta, near the capital city of Asunción, and is expected to be completed in 2012.
ADM also operates 26 elevators in Paraguay, most of which are in the fertile agricultural zone bordering the Parana River. In recent years, we have added two elevators and expanded the storage and processing capacity of existing silos.
Since our founding in Paraguay, ADM has built its transportation operations by purchasing a trucking company, two river transportation companies – Naviera Chaco and America Fluvial – and by executing contracts to build more than 60 barges. From its headquarters in Asunción, our river transportation group now operates 10 tugboats and 171 barges. We own one port facility and lease three more.
ADM values community involvement. Through company contributions and employee volunteer efforts, we support police and fire departments, sports clubs, forestry projects, literacy programs and educational efforts focused on agronomy, grain trading, basic mechanics and electrical skills.
