Mankato’s Hill Cameraindex Expands Soybean Oil Refining Capacity: Boosting Midwest Biofuel and Food Production

In a strategic move to strengthen regional agricultural processing infrastructure, the Mankato Hill Cameraindex — a cornerstone of Minnesota’s bio-based industrial advancement — has unveiled a major expansion of its soybean oil refining capacity. This upgrade marks a pivotal step toward meeting growing domestic and export demands for food-grade oils and renewable industrial feedstocks. With increased throughput and enhanced processing efficiency, the facility is positioned to become a key hub in the Midwest’s expanding bioeconomy.

At the heart of this expansion is a $42 million investment in next-generation refining technology. The project, initiated late last year, includes the installation of two new continuous extraction units capable of processing 45,000 bushels of soybeans per day — a 40% increase over current capacity. According to plant operations manager Lisa Trumbull, “This capacity jump isn’t just about volume.

It’s about precision, sustainability, and responsiveness to real-time market needs.” The expansion leverages cutting-edge solvent extraction systems and advanced deodorization units, enabling the production of organic soybean oil suitable for premium food markets and biodiesel blends. By refining both high-oil-content soybeans and byproducts like soybean meal for animal feed, the plant optimizes resource use and reduces waste. “We’re not only producing more oil — we’re producing cleaner, higher-value oil,” Trumbull added.

“This positions us at the forefront of responsible refining.”

Technology Integration: From Extraction to Refined Output

The revamped processing plant integrates multiple stages of refinement under one roof, beginning with solvent extraction, where soybean oil is separated from defatted meal using a proprietary supercritical CO₂-assisted method. This technique improves yield and purity while minimizing chemical use — a marking shift from traditional hexane extraction. Following extraction, soybean oil undergoes multi-stage degumming, neutralization, and bleaching, ensuring compliance with strict food-grade standards.

The final stages employ molecular distillation and vacuum deodorization, reducing contaminants and enhancing shelf life without compromising nutritional integrity. Data from internal plant sensors show oil purity now exceeds 99.9%, rivaling industry leaders. Operational metrics confirm the success: downtime dropped by 30%, energy efficiency improved by 18%, and carbon intensity per barrel of oil refined decreased by 22% compared to pre-expansion benchmarks.

These gains reflect rigorous adherence to environmental standards and operational excellence.

Economic Impact on Mankato’s Industrial Ecosystem

The expansion accelerates Mankato’s transformation into a regional bio-industrial corridor. Local suppliers from grain handling to equipment manufacturing report heightened demand, with over $18 million in new contracts awarded to regional firms since the project’s announcement.

The plant’s employment footprint has grown to 145 full-time jobs, with plans to expand hires by 25% over the next 18 months. “I see this as more than an oil refinery update,” says Dr. Elena Park, agribusiness analyst at the University of Minnesota’s Minnesota Center for Food Innovation.

“It’s a catalyst. Every ton of soybean processed here strengthens supply chains, supports farmers, and attracts downstream investments — from jet fuel startups to sustainable packaging ventures.” The facility also supports Minnesota’s renewable energy goals, with soybean oil refining serving as a cornerstone of the state’s push for domestic biodiesel production. The U.S.

Department of Agriculture notes that expanded local processing capability could reduce reliance on imported vegetable oils by up to 15% in target markets.

Sustainability and Future Outlook

Environmental stewardship lies at the core of the expansion. The plant now runs on 85% renewable energy, primarily bolstered by on-site biogas from processing residuals.

Wastewater treatment systems now recover 95% of process water for reuse, while solid byproducts are converted into biochar — a soil enhancer sold to local agriculture cooperatives. “We view this not as an isolated upgrade but as a foundational step toward a circular bioeconomy,” says plant director Marc Chen. “Every drop of oil, every scrap meal contributes to reducing emissions and fostering local resilience.” Looking ahead, officials announced a phased plan to increase capacity by another 25% by 2026, contingent on sustained market demand and feedstock availability.

The Mankato Hill Cameraindex remains committed to continuous innovation, exploring integration with algae-based oil diversification and carbon capture pilot programs. With its dual focus on scalability and sustainability, the expanded soybean oil refining capacity stands as a testament to strategic industrial growth — one that fuels local economies, advances clean energy, and reinforces the Midwest’s role in the global transition to renewable resources.

Industry Perspective

The expansion sets a new benchmark for agro-processing modernization.

“This is a textbook case of how legacy facilities can evolve with forward-thinking investment,” observes Toyota Nakamura, a Midwest industrial analyst at AgriForward. “Mankato’s Hill Cameraindex isn’t just growing — it’s future-proofing. For every bushel of soybean, it adds value, jobs, and climate benefit.” Whether through higher yields, cleaner production, or localized economic ripple effects, the expansion reaffirms the strategic importance of soybean oil refining in today’s evolving energy and food landscapes.