Bartlett opens new soybean processing plant in Kansas 

USA – Bartlett, a Savage Company, has inaugurated its new soybean processing facility in Cherryvale, Kansas, marking a significant addition to the region’s agricultural and energy sectors. 

The plant, which began construction in 2022, will process up to 49 million bushels of soybeans annually, producing soy feedstocks for vegetable oil, animal feed, and renewable transportation fuels. 

The facility also greatly boosts the local economy, creating over 60 permanent jobs and supporting numerous construction jobs.

At the grand opening on September 19, 2024, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, Lt. Governor David Toland and U.S. Senator Roger Marshall celebrated the plant’s economic impact on Southeast Kansas. 

Governor Kelly noted, “This facility is far more than a soybean processing plant; it’s where community members will find good employment and renewable energy demands will be met.”

The plant is on a sprawling 150-acre site with grain elevators, a product tank farm, and a multi-loop track system.

A key infrastructure element is the connection to the South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad, which links the facility to Class 1 carriers, providing efficient transport for its products. 

The plant’s dual role in food and energy markets allows it to meet the growing demand for sustainable animal feed and renewable fuels, positioning Kansas as a leader in the renewable energy sector.

Bob Knief, Bartlett President, expressed excitement at the opening, stating, “We are thrilled to see this world-class facility come to life, expanding markets for area soybean producers and driving economic growth in Southeast Kansas.” 

Savage CEO Kirk Aubry added, “This plant will contribute to both the feed and food industries and renewable energy markets, reinforcing Kansas’ position at the intersection of agriculture and energy.”

The Bartlett plant exemplifies the integration of Kansas’s agriculture and renewable energy industries, further solidifying the state’s reputation as a hub for sustainable solutions. 

The facility will have a long-lasting impact on the local economy and global energy transition efforts by providing soy feedstocks for various uses.

Bartlett, a Savage Company, is beginning operations at its new soybean processing plant in Cherryvale, Kan., served by Watco’s 458.7-mile South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad.

The plant will handle up to 49 million bushels of soybeans annually, providing sustainable soy feedstocks for refined vegetable oil, animal feed, and renewable transportation fuels. 

In addition to jobs and economic activity supported during the plant’s construction, which began in 2022, more than 60 permanent jobs are being created.

“We appreciate the tremendous work of everyone involved in the design, construction and operation of this world-class facility and the strong support received from community members and federal, state and local officials,” Bartlett President Bob Knief said. 

“Our new Cherryvale plant will expand markets for area soybean producers and agribusinesses while driving needed economic growth in Southeast Kansas.”

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