ADM to Close Bushnell Facility, Citing Soy Protein Network Streamlining
Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM) announced late Friday, August 29, that it will close its Bushnell, Illinois, facility as part of a broader plan to streamline its soy protein production network. The notice came in a phone call to Bushnell City Hall just before the Labor Day holiday.
The Bushnell plant employs about 30 to 40 workers in McDonough County. The closure was not discussed in advance with local leaders, including Bushnell Mayor Dave Norton or Kim Pierce, president and CEO of the Macomb Area Economic Development Corporation. Pierce said she has made multiple attempts to contact ADM since the announcement, expressing concern and frustration, but has received no response.
UPDATE: President and CEO of Macomb Economic Development Corporation, Kim Pierce stated earlier today (TUESDAY) that she and Bushnell Mayor Dave Norton have finally received word from ADM Management and are planning to meet in Chicago next Wednesday at ADM Corp offices. Stay updated with the Community News Brief.
According to a Reuters report, ADM’s Chicago-based parent company is consolidating operations to improve efficiency. The company recently restarted its flagship soy protein facility in Decatur, Illinois, which is expected to boost operating profits over time. ADM has been cutting jobs and downsizing since February, aiming to reduce costs by $500 million to $700 million over the next three to five years.
ADM’s website confirms the Bushnell closure is part of a strategy to optimize and simplify its portfolio. The company plans to consolidate soy protein production into a more efficient global network while maintaining the capacity to meet growing global demand.
“Across ADM, we continue to advance our portfolio optimization initiatives and operational excellence agenda, including cost management, enhanced productivity, targeted simplification, strategic growth and capital discipline,” said Ian Pinner, president of ADM’s Nutrition business. “Optimizing our soy protein production network is an example of how we’re strengthening our asset platform, combining capital discipline with smart organic innovation and operational improvements to increase cash flows and returns.”
Pinner added, “With our Decatur plant resuming operations, we expect operating profit to improve over time as we achieve manufacturing efficiencies and rebuild our Specialty Ingredients business. We are committed to a smooth, planned transition for affected customers as we wind down Bushnell operations and look forward to serving them from other assets. We are prioritizing treating any affected colleagues with respect as we advance this process.”
For more information, visit www.adm. com. or continue to read the Community News Brief for future updates.
