Louis Dreyfus Company Plans for New Facility in Upper Sandusky

On November 9, 2023 the Ohio Rail Development Commission approved a $125,000 grant to Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) to assist with the rail infrastructure necessary for the construction of a new soybean processing facility near Upper Sandusky, Ohio. The new $541 million facility requires significant on-site rail. As a result of the project, LDC will commit to hiring 114 net new jobs and creating 500 new railcars of traffic at the Upper Sandusky area location.

Founded in 1851 in France, LDC is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods worldwide. The facility in Upper Sandusky will be a processing facility where soybeans are cleaned, cracked, dehulled and rolled into flakes to separate the oil and meal components during processing. Soybean products include tofu, soymilk, edamame, soy nuts, sprouts, miso, and soy sauce. Soybean oil is also used in salad dressings and mayonnaise, as well as industrial products such as plastics and biodiesel.

“This project is an excellent example of how public and private partnerships can work in tandem to assist companies expanding in Ohio. The new rail infrastructure will be a tremendous asset to Louis Dreyfus to move its products and will result in less truck traffic on Ohio’s highways. We are pleased to assist this company and support their efforts in the region,” said Matthew Dietrich, Executive Director, Ohio Rail Development Commission.

The Ohio Rail Development Commission assists Ohio communities, companies, and railroads in creating and retaining jobs by preserving rail service to existing shippers and providing rail service to new customers. The Rail Commission also funds projects to improve railroad-highway grade crossings to increase safety for the traveling public. Rail lines in Ohio are private property. Trespassing is both extremely dangerous and strictly prohibited. For more, visit: rail.ohio.gov