Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) celebrated Incobrasa Industries’ new soybean processing plant and solar array in Gilman, reinforcing Illinois' position as the nation's leading soybean-producing state and a growing hub for biofuels, food processing, and advanced agricultural manufacturing.

“Illinois is proudly the nation’s top soybean producer, and Icobrasa is powering the modern economy with those soybeans in the heart of our state,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This expansion marks the next chapter for Incobrasa, with a transformational investment that will create new jobs and scale up production capacity for biofuel, farm feed, and more — all while affirming Illinois’ role as an innovator in the agriculture industry.”

“Incobrasa’s new crush plant is the single largest extraction process in the country. Requiring 300,000 bushels per day, it will provide a stable market for 7000 local family farms. By producing oil for biodiesel production and soy protein for animal feed, the process will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower the cost of food. It is a great win for the people of Illinois,” said Kerry Fogarty, Quality Control Manager at Incobrasa. “None of this would be possible if it were not for the tireless efforts of our elected officials in Springfield and Washington, D.C. The relentless work of the Illinois Soybean Association, National Oilseed Processors Association, Clean Fuels Alliance America and Sustainable Advanced Biofuel Refiners cannot be understated. They have worked together to secure a bright future for biodiesel production in the U.S. Without this, the expansion in Gilman would never have come to fruition.”

The completed project includes a 170,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility to meet the growing demand for its soybean crushing services, creating 40 new full-time jobs for the region while retaining 200 positions.

94.1 WGFA