ADM, Marathon cut ribbon on Green Bison Soy Processing plant in Spiritwood, North Dakota

Photo: Green Bison Soy Processing

Archer Daniels Midland Co. and Marathon Petroleum Corp. celebrated the opening of their joint-venture soybean-processing complex, Green Bison Soy Processing, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Nov. 14.

The Green Bison facility in Spiritwood is North Dakota’s first dedicated soybean-processing complex and is a major step towards meeting increased demand for renewable fuels—in this case renewable diesel.

Green Bison Soy Processing will source and process local soybeans, with the resulting oil supplied exclusively to Marathon as a feedstock for renewable fuels.

The facility will produce approximately 600 million pounds of refined soybean oil annually, enough feedstock for approximately 75 million gallons of renewable green diesel per year.

The approximately $350 million complex features state-of-the-art automation technology and has the capacity to process 150,000 bushels of soybeans per day.

Green Bison Soy Processing began receiving soybeans in September and is in the commissioning and start-up phase of processing soybeans for meal and oil.

“Sustainability is one of the enduring trends driving changes in structural global demand, and this investment helps position ADM, as a leader in our industry, to deliver on that demand,” said Greg Morris, president of ADM’s ag services and oilseeds business. “The continued growth in demand for renewable green diesel presents a transformative opportunity for the oilseed industry, for producers, and for increasing the sustainability footprint of our transportation system, and we’re proud to join with Marathon Petroleum as leaders in that transformation. We’re excited for the start of production and look forward to working together to support sustainable solutions for the food and fuel industries.”

Dave Heppner, Marathon’s senior vice president of strategy and business development, added, “As we continue challenging ourselves to lead in sustainable energy, our joint venture with ADM not only strengthens our presence in North Dakota but also gives us the opportunity to collaborate further with a world-class partner as we continue investing in a sustainable, energy-diverse future. Green Bison Soy Processing’s Spiritwood facility is an important milestone in our ability to source and optimize logistically advantaged feedstock for our growing renewable fuels business.”

Adding a continuous economic impact in various aspects, the new complex has supported hundreds of jobs in the region and currently employs approximately 75 people.

Additionally, Green Bison Soy Processing was recognized by the Economic Development Association of North Dakota as the 2023 Economic Development Project of the Year announced in September.

The award recognizes an organization that has worked to positively impact the economic health of the community, region or state.

“The Green Bison Soy Processing facility creates a wonderful opportunity and lasting benefits for our area farmers and statewide soybean growers,” said Dwaine Heinrich, mayor of Jamestown, North Dakota. “Having two of the most important components of North Dakota’s economy, agriculture and energy, coming together on a project like this is a significant benefit to the city of Jamestown and the surrounding communities. While this facility provides added value for our farmers, it is also a significant investment to the community of Spiritwood through job creation. We are very appreciative to ADM and Marathon for their collaboration to make this project possible.”