CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Diamond V, a subsidiary of Cargill, has expanded its animal nutrition facility in Cedar Rapids to accommodate the production and packaging of its entire line of natural immune support products for animals.

The expansion is the result of a $29.1 million investment and adds 100,000 sq. ft. to the company’s southern facility, according to Cargill. The company will close its northern facility and transfer all 20 employees to the new expanded location.

Two processing lines have already been added to the expanded plant, and there is enough space to add eight more production lines.

"Diamond V has always been committed to offering products that support healthy animals, more efficient animal production, better pre-harvest food safety, stronger antibiotic stewardship, and improved public health," said Mike Goble, global managing director for Diamond V. "The demand for natural animal health products is growing, and this expansion will allow us to support our customers."

Company representatives joined Brad Hart, mayor of Cedar Rapids, in cutting the ribbon on Jan. 24. The facility is expected to begin production in February.

"Cedar Rapids is a proud manufacturing and agriculture-based community, and few companies better represent those two important industries than Diamond V and Cargill," Hart said. "Diamond V is a global leader in science, nutrition and health, and we appreciate Cargill's commitment to building and expanding this important business in our community."

Cargill acquired Diamond V in 2018 to bolster its positioning in animal nutrition in the $20 billion global animal feed additives market. Then, in 2019, Cargill Health Technologies was formed to produce digestive and immune health additives for animal nutrition and also for human food applications.

"Through Cargill Health Technologies, we are pioneering a new path and unlocking the full potential of the bodies we nourish, helping both people and animals live more healthy days," said Chuck Warta, president of Cargill Health Technologies. "When we put the full muscle of Cargill behind it, we believe we can address some of the most pressing global problems in how to feed the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way."

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