Incobrasa expands capacity to nearly 100 million bushels

GILMAN, Ill. — State and local officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the opening of Incobrasa Industries’ new facility that doubles its annual soybean processing capacity.

The $250 million completed project includes a 170,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility to meet the growing demand for its soybean crushing services, creating 40 new full-time jobs for the region while retaining 200 positions.

Located adjacent to Incobrasa’s existing facility, the new processing plant can process nearly 100 million bushels of soybeans annually.

The facility converts soybeans into soybean meal used for animal feed and soybean oil that can be refined into biodiesel and other renewable fuel products.

In addition to the soybean crushing plant, the company constructed a 50-acre solar array, which has the capacity to generate five megawatts of energy, which can be used to provide power directly to the plant or to feed the grid.

EDGE Incentives

This project was bolstered by the Illinois’ Economic Development for a Growing Economy agreement with Incobrasa Industries.

Under the April 27, 2023, agreement between the state through its Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Incobrasa, an EDGE tax credit was awarded to the company for the expansion.

Through the program, EDGE credits are awarded to businesses that locate or expand their operations and create jobs in Illinois.

So far in 2026, companies participating in the EDGE program have committed to creating more than 5,000 new jobs and nearly $2.5 billion in investments, according to a press release from Gov. JB Pritzker’s office.

“Illinois is proudly the nation’s top soybean producer, and Incobrasa is powering the modern economy with those soybeans in the heart of our state,” Pritzker said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“This expansion marks the next chapter for Incobrasa, with a transformational investment that will create new jobs and scale up production capacity for biofuel, farm feed and more — all while affirming Illinois’ role as an innovator in the agriculture industry.”

“Illinois farmers and agricultural businesses are driving innovation and economic growth across our state,” said Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton.

“Incobrasa’s investment in Gilman demonstrates how good-paying jobs and building a more sustainable future are possible through advanced agricultural manufacturing and renewable energy.”

Market Stabilizer

“Incobrasa’s new crush plant is the single largest extraction process in the country. Requiring 300,000 bushels per day, it will provide a stable market for 7,000 local family farms,” said Kerry Fogarty, Incobrasa quality control manager.

“By producing oil for biodiesel production and soy protein for animal feed, the process will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower the cost of food. It is a great win for the people of Illinois.”

“None of this would be possible if it were not for the tireless efforts of our elected officials in Springfield and Washington, D.C.

“The relentless work of the Illinois Soybean Association, National Oilseed Processors Association, Clean Fuels Alliance America and Sustainable Advanced Biofuel Refiners cannot be understated. They have worked together to secure a bright future for biodiesel production in the U.S. Without this, the expansion in Gilman would never have come to fruition.”

“Incobrasa’s expansion in Gilman is a prime example of what makes Illinois a premier destination for businesses,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards.

“We are proud to support companies that drive economic development and long-term job creation, ensuring Illinois remains the best place to live, work and do business.”

Economic Engine

“Illinois agriculture continues to be a powerful economic engine, and projects like this showcase the strength of our soybean industry,” said Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II.

“Incobrasa’s expansion creates new opportunities for farmers, supports local jobs and advances Illinois’ position as a national leader in agricultural innovation and processing.”

“Programs through DCEO like EDGE continue to provide essential support for businesses that call Illinois home,” said state Rep. Jason Bunting, R-Emington.

“Building upon the more than 5,000 jobs that have already been created through the EDGE program this year, Incobrasa’s state-of-the-art facility expansion will bring new jobs to the region while meeting the global demand for soybean processing.”

“Incobrasa’s decision to expand production in Gilman is a prime example of the economic resources and development opportunities Illinois has to offer,” said state Sen. David Koehler, D-Peoria.

“This expansion will not only bring good-paying manufacturing jobs to the region, but it will also boost our state’s stance as the No. 1 soybean producer in the United States.”

“This project will ensure Illinois remains a national leader in soybean production,” said state Sen. Patrick Joyce, D-Kankakee.

“Incobrasa’s decision to invest and expand in Illinois underscores the state’s commitment to fostering growth and job creation to support and strengthen our world-class agricultural economy.”

“Illinois is the No. 1 soybean producer in the United States,” said state Rep. Charlie Meier, R-Okawville, Republican spokesperson on the House Agriculture & Conservation Committee.

“This expansion will help solidify our domestic markets and create jobs for rural Illinois. I was proud to champion Illinois’ biodiesel sales tax incentive and pass Illinois’ B20 incentive, which helped make this expansion possible.”

Only three countries in the world produce more soybeans than the state of Illinois — China, Argentina and Brazil.

Once Incobrasa’s expansion is fully implemented, they will be able to crush almost 100 million bushels of soybeans per year, totaling roughly 1.5 million acres of Illinois soybeans.

About one out of every six rows of Illinois soybeans will be crushed at Incobrasa, producing animal feed, vegetable oil and clean burring soy biodiesel.