CHS Inc. announced a $100 million renovation project to its Fairmont soybean processing plant.

The operational and safety improvements will increase the Fairmont plant's soybean crush and soybean oil production capacity, enhance product quality and optimize production at the CHS soybean refinery at Mankato, according to a news release.

The expansion will add five new buildings and storage bins, and includes the renovation of two existing buildings, says Brittany Voss, CHS marketing and communications manager. Upon completion of the proposed plant expansion, CHS will be able to purchase about 30% more bushels of soybeans from regional soybean farmers, she adds.

The Fairmont plant was built in 2003 and has been in operation 24-7, 365 days a year.

CHS is being proactive in installing new equipment that requires less maintenance and repairs, and enhances worker safety, Voss says. Modernized soy processing equipment will improve process safety and convert manual tasks into automated tasks. Improved safety features at the bulk rail loading operation will reduce risk while loading cars.

Soybeans grown by area farmers are processed into oil at the Fairmont facility and transported to the Mankato processing plant for further refining.

CHS Processing and Food Ingredients serves food and feed ingredient companies across the U.S. and many export destinations.

Construction is underway, and completion is expected by fall 2021.