HF Chlor-Alkali to build new caustic soda plant

The plant will produce a minimum of 100,000 dry short tons of caustic soda and 250,000 short tons of muriatic acid per year. It will serve all of Cargill's U.S. plants as well as other customers. Ground will be broken this summer, with first product expected to roll off the lines in early 2015.

Established in 1994, Harris & Ford is a major distributor of chemicals with sales approaching $250 million per year. Its president, Tim Harris, who will also serve as manager of HF Chlor-Alkali, has spent 35 years in the chemical industry. His assignments at Diamond Shamrock (now Occidental) Chlor-Alkali division include: plant engineer at Painesville plant, tech service engineer at Fairport Harbor Tech Center, R&D engineer at the Concord Research Center and Process engineer at the Chardon Electrode Pilot Plant.

"With this project, our company moves beyond distribution into manufacturing," Harris said. "It's a major expansion in scope for us, and we couldn't ask for a more respected company than Cargill to help us take this step. As we grow, our central focus remains on providing our customers the highest standard of service in our industry.  I owe a special thanks to the Iowa Economic Development Authority for their assistance."

As with other companies co-located at the Iowa Bioprocessing Center, HF Chlor-Alkali, LLC will receive its water supply and wastewater treatment from Cargill. Cargill will also invest in pipelines to connect the two companies. This project will add at least 25 new jobs in Eddyville, IA and support close to 750 indirect jobs across Iowa.

"This is very exciting for the Eddyville community as it promotes growth in the region and in the state of Iowa, said Alan Willits, Cargill Corn Milling president. We are delighted at the opportunity to deepen our relationship with one of our valued suppliers. Harris & Ford's reputation for vision, integrity and proficiency can only add value to our operations as the relationship grows."

About Cargill

Cargill is an international producer and marketer of food, agricultural, financial and industrial products and services. Founded in 1865, the privately held company employs 142,000 people in 65 countries. Cargill helps customers succeed through collaboration and innovation, and is committed to applying its global knowledge and experience to help meet economic, environmental and social challenges wherever it does business.

HF Chlor-Alkali