RALSTON, IOWA — West Central Cooperative has unveiled plans for a $27 million, multi-year project to increase soybean processing capacity by 50% and build additional grain storage at its complex in Ralston. The expansion will produce SoyPlus, a high bypass protein dairy feed ingredient used across the world, the company said. Once complete, the facility is expected to include an additional line of mechanical presses, soybean oil treatment, load-out access and nearly 3 million bus of additional soybean storage. New production volumes are slated to be available as early as fall 2016.

“This plant expansion is important for our West Central stockholders and area growers as we demonstrate the difference with long-term investments that enhance demand, further diversify our business, and create opportunities to expand our global reach with additional volume,” said Milan Kucerak, president and chief executive officer of West Central.