Cargill to Shut Down Wichita Hydrogenated Oil Production

WICHITA, Kan.Cargill will cease hydrogenated oil production at its Wichita, Kan., facility in August 2009. Remaining hydrogenation production will be transitioned to other Cargill facilities. The plant will remain operational and continue to produce salad oils and various blends.

The demand for hydrogenated oils has decreased significantly as a result of trans fat reduction in foods; therefore, leaving the plant underutilized, said Mike Venker, president, Cargill Dressings, Sauces & Oils. We made every effort to keep the production at the plant, but ultimately could not achieve acceptable production efficiencies.