GRAMERCY, LA. — Richard (Red) Geurts has been named chief executive officer and general manager of Louisiana Sugar Refining, L.L.C., a joint venture among Sugar Growers and Refiners, Inc. (SUGAR), Cargill and Imperial Sugar Co. Mr. Geurts was assistant vice-president and general manager of Cargill’s corn milling plant in Wahpeton, N.D. He previously worked for Pillsbury, ConAgra Foods, Inc., Staley – Tate & Lyle, and ProGold, L.L.C.

“Red’s leadership experience at Cargill within the corn milling business, as well as his 40 years of management experience in other agricultural processing and grain businesses, have given him deep insight into the operations and customer needs of a food ingredient business like the sugar business,” said Jeff Cotter, board member of Louisiana Sugar Refining and assistant vice-president for Cargill Corn Milling North America. “He is a natural fit to lead this exciting new venture.”

Construction of a facility for Gramercy-based Louisiana Sugar Refining is under way. The plant should begin operation in the first half of 2011 and is expected to produce 1 million tons of sugar per year.