Chinese company COFCO has confirmed an investment of over 2 billion reais (400 million US dollars) to expand its plant in Rondonópolis, in the state of Mato Grosso, with completion scheduled for early 2028. The aim is to transform the unit into the largest soybean crushing complex in Brazil.

The announcement was confirmed by the local authority in a city widely recognised for its relevance in agribusiness and the soybean production chain. The expansion aims to increase the volume of soybeans processed locally and strengthen the company's industrial presence at a strategic point for production, storage and logistics in the state.

Currently, the unit processes 4,500 tonnes of soybeans per day. After the expansion, capacity is expected to reach approximately 10,000 tonnes per day. The plant produces soybean meal, soybean oil and biodiesel – core products of the Chinese multinational's industrial operations in the municipality.

Rondonópolis is one of the main agribusiness hubs in Brazil and represents the second largest economy in the state of Mato Grosso. The city is often referred to as the "agribusiness capital" due to its prominent role in the logistics, industrialisation and distribution of soybean production.

(Source: Click Petróleo e Gás, on 18 April)