US ADM, Marathon Petroleum open Green Bison Soy Processing in North Dakota

HOUSTON (ICIS)–US agribusiness titan Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) and Marathon Petroleum (MPC) announced they have celebrated the opening of their joint venture soybean processing complex, Green Bison Soy Processing, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The Green Bison facility is located in Spiritwood and is North Dakota’s first dedicated soybean processing complex and is seen as a major step towards meeting increased demand for renewable fuels, notably renewable green diesel.

First announced in 2021, Green Bison 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 600m pounds of refined soybean oil (SBO) annually, which is enough feedstock for approximately 75m gallons of renewable green diesel per year.

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

Green Bison began receiving soybeans in September and is now undertaking the commissioning and startup 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, ADM Ag Services & Oilseeds business president.

“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.”

Under the previously announced terms, ADM will own 75% of the joint venture and MPC owning 25%, with the companies saying the new complex has supported hundreds of jobs in the region and currently employs approximately 75 people.

MPC said the Green Bison facility is an important milestone in the ability to source and optimize logistically advantaged feedstock for their growing renewable fuels business.

“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,” said Dave Heppner, Marathon Strategy and Business Development senior vice president.