ADM announces closure of Bushnell facility to optimize soy protein network amid recovery efforts

USA – Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), a global leader in agricultural processing and nutrition, has announced plans to close its soy protein production facility in Bushnell, Illinois, as part of a strategic effort to consolidate operations and enhance efficiency across its global network.

The announcement, made on August 29, comes as ADM seeks to leverage recent investments, including the recommissioning of its Decatur, Illinois, plant, which was sidelined following a major explosion in September 2023.

The move is expected to streamline soy protein production, allowing the company to meet growing global demand better while focusing on operational excellence and cost discipline.

“We are committed to a smooth, planned transition with any affected customers as we gradually wind down operations at our Bushnell facility, and look forward to serving them from our other invested assets,” said Ian Pinner, president of ADM’s Nutrition business, in a statement.

“We are prioritising treating any affected colleagues with respect as we advance this process.”

The Bushnell plant, which specialises in soy protein processing, employs approximately 30 hourly workers and a small supervisory team, according to recent job postings from the company. ADM has not officially disclosed the exact number of jobs impacted, but emphasised its focus on supporting affected employees during the transition.

Local media reports suggest the closure could affect the small community of Bushnell, though specific economic repercussions remain unclear.

The decision aligns with broader portfolio optimisation initiatives at ADM, including cost management, enhanced productivity, and strategic growth.

 “Optimising 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.

“These decisive actions will help ensure we can continue delivering industry-leading innovative products to our customers while sharpening our competitive advantage. With our Decatur plant resuming operations, we expect operating profit to improve over time as we achieve manufacturing efficiencies and build back our Specialty Ingredients business.”

The Decatur facility, a key component of ADM’s strategy, was damaged in an explosion on September 10, 2023, which injured eight workers and prompted an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA found that ADM failed to inspect and test critical safety equipment, leading to citations and proposed penalties.

During ADM’s second-quarter 2025 earnings call in early August, CEO Juan Luciano highlighted the recommissioning of the Decatur East plant as a “critical milestone” for ramping up production and positively impacting costs in the Specialty Ingredients business.

The Nutrition segment, which includes soy protein operations, reported an operating profit of US$114 million for the quarter, with human nutrition subsegment profits at US$92 million, down 11% year-over-year due to lower margins and Decatur-related downtime.

Company executives noted that the plant’s downtime had cost US$20 million to US$25 million per quarter, a headwind expected to dissipate starting in the fourth quarter as operations normalise.

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