Cargill, a major international supplier of food, agricultural and industrial products, is upgrading its facility in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana. The project is expected to retain 70 jobs.

The investment at the facility, which produces food, water conditioning and salt products for a variety of industries, will replace dated equipment and add safety enhancements.

“This investment will help make critical enhancements to our operations in Louisiana, an important piece of our production footprint, and will allow us to continue to deliver quality products to our customers,” said Sonya Roberts, president of Cargill’s salt business. “We’re committed to the Breaux Bridge community and our employees in the area, and are delighted to continue our partnership with the State of Louisiana and St. Martin Parish.”

The state of Louisiana is providing Cargill with a competitive incentive package that includes a $200,000 award from the state’s Retention and Modernization program. The company is also expected to utilize the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption Program.

“Louisiana’s rural communities are prime locations for new and expanding investments driving our state’s economic growth,” Governor John Bel Edwards said. “Cargill serves a range of industries, both here in Louisiana and across the globe. Its commitment to job retention and reinvestment in its Acadiana Region site reflects the state’s skilled manufacturing workforce and superior logistics, which put the international markets Cargill serves within reach.”

Cargill, Incorporated is a privately held American global food corporation based in Minnetonka, Minnesota, and incorporated in Wilmington, Delaware. Founded in 1865, it is the largest privately held corporation in the United States in terms of revenue.

“St. Martin Parish is thrilled with the planned modernization of Cargill’s Breaux Bridge facility,” St. Martin Economic Development Authority President and CEO Jennifer Stelly said. “Not only does this new investment ensure the retention of numerous jobs, but it also represents Cargill's commitment to St. Martin Parish's economy, community, and workforce. We are honored to have Cargill as a part of our business community."