ADM Invests $Millions in Optima Grain Elevator Upgrade
Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) is investing millions of dollars to boost capacity at its grain elevator in Optima, Oklahoma. The project aims to increase efficiency and enhance the flow of grain and feed products through ADM's North American supply network.
The upgrades include adding 150 cars of extra track capacity and constructing a new rail unloading pit equipped with two hard car diggers. This is expected to cut train unloading times by approximately half, significantly raising the facility's processing capacity for both corn and corn gluten feed pellets.
Tim McHenry, vice president of North America Grain & Feed, stated that the Optima site is essential for linking grain and feed products from various regions to livestock markets in the Panhandle area. The facility serves one of the nation's largest livestock-feeding zones, where demand is rising, making efficient grain and feed ingredient movement particularly crucial.
Michael Means, ADM's vice president of North American Milling and Ag Services Operations, remarked that the project will enhance safety, reliability, and efficiency throughout the unloading process. The improvements are expected to allow teams to handle more grain with greater consistency and offer the flexibility to address customer needs as demand expands.