Noble Group (SGX: N21), the global supply chain manager of agricultural, energy, metals and other natural resources, says of its new Oilseed Processing Complex in Argentina has turned operational.

The complex, built adjacent to the Timbúes Port Grain Terminal, also establishes Noble’s first South American oilseed processing facility and expands the group’s capabilities.

Since 2006, the Timbúes Port Grain Terminal has served as a key operational platform on the Paraná River, occupying 231 hectares and 2,100 metres of waterfront, making it the largest in Noble’s network of owned and operated facilities in South America.

The Oilseed Processing Complex has a present crushing capacity of 3 million metric tonnes of soybeans per year and processes soybeans into high-protein soybean meal, pellets and soybean oil for export. In addition, it has a loading capacity of 5 million metric tonnes per annum. The facility is expected to enhance operating margins and increase efficiency of supply to Noble’s global customer base.

“At over 200 hectares, the Timbúes Port Terminal and Oilseed Processing Complex, is our largest facility in South America, with about half of the site still available for future expansion,” said Noble Group Chairman, Richard Elman. He added, “The world has a growing appetite and we are well positioned to supply oil, meal, corn and grains globally.”

Argentina is one of the world’s lowest cost soybean producers and has seen its crop triple since the mid 1990's to a present record 55 million metric tonnes. Argentina is also the world’s largest soybean meal and soybean oil exporter.