Bunge Buys Newly Built Refinery In Louisiana

Bunge  announced April 11 that it has entered into a definitive asset purchase agreement with Fuji Oil New Orleans LLC to acquire a newly constructed, port-based refinery located in the International-Matex Tank Terminals, Avondale Terminal, La., through its subsidiary, Bunge Loders Croklaan JV with IOI Corporation Berhad.

The state-of-the-art facility has multi-oil refining capabilities and will enable Bunge to expand its existing customer base, the company said. The completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions.

“This transaction will provide Bunge with a scalable, complementary port-based footprint capable of connecting North American food, feed and fuel customers to global markets,” said Aaron Buettner, Bunge president, food solutions. “Bunge expects to serve customers with the newly acquired capacity starting in the second quarter 2023. This acquisition delivers on our long-term strategy to expand our value-added oils business by accelerating reach across North America.”

Bunge said it plans to significantly expand the facility’s current capacity, creating new job opportunities for the local community. “We are excited for the opportunity to continue to expand and grow, working alongside great local partners such as IMTT, who Bunge has had an 80-year partnership with storing and shipping vegetable oils in the Gulf,” said Brett Caplice, Bunge vice president of refined and specialty oils in North America.