Cargill Commits $34M to Salt Processing Plant Upgrades

American agribusiness and industrial products supplier Cargill is preparing to launch a $34 million modernization project at its St. Martin Parish, LA salt processing plant that will replace old equipment and increase safety, according to a Louisiana Economic Development (LED) release this week.

“This investment will help make critical enhancements to our operations in Louisiana, an important piece of our production footprint, and will allow us to continue to deliver quality products to our customers,” Sonya Roberts, president of Cargill’s salt business, said in a statement. “We’re committed to the Breaux Bridge community and our employees in the area and are delighted to continue our partnership with the State of Louisiana and St. Martin Parish.”

The location supplies salt used in food, water conditioning, and other applications. Installing new equipment will improve the efficiency of the facility, which started operations in 1971.

“Louisiana’s rural communities are prime locations for new and expanding investments driving our state’s economic growth,” Gov. John Bel Edwards said. “Cargill serves a range of industries, both here in Louisiana and across the globe. Its commitment to job retention and reinvestment in its Acadiana Region site reflects the state’s skilled manufacturing workforce and superior logistics, which put the international markets Cargill serves within reach.”

The state of Louisiana is providing a $200,000 award from the state’s Retention and Modernization program to support the project.