OREANDA-NEWS. June 14, 2012. ASTARTA initiates soybean processing project that includes construction of soybean processing plant in Poltava region (Globino) with installed crushing capacity of 700 tonnes of soybeans per day or c. 220 thousand tonnes annually. Annual production capacity is up to 160 thousand tonnes of feeding high-protein toasted meal, 40 thousand tonnes of soybean oil, and 9 thousand tonnes of granulated husks. The plant will be more than 60% self-sufficient in soybeans, produced by the agricultural enterprises of the Group.

Selected site for the plant provides for optimal conditions for raw materials acceptance, processing and shipment of produce. Along with construction of the processing module, the project also includes construction of elevator with designed capacity of 42 thousand tonnes and storages for finished goods. Total CAPEX is USD 35 million. The long-term financing for the project will be provided by international financial institution. The start of the plant's operations is scheduled in 2013.

Comments of ASTARTA's CEO, Victor Ivanchyk:

"This project will extend value chain, increase revenues, strengthen the business' diversification and mitigate of the currency risks due to export sales growth. Additional advantage is good synergy with the planned biogas production at Globyno sugar plan, and with cattle farming segment of the Group."