Cargill

 The Plant

The Blooming Prairie epoxides plant has been an important contributor to the region’s economy since 1969. In December 2021, Cargill assumed operations of the plant, bringing 155 years of experience serving agricultural, financial and industrial customers. The plant employs more than 40 individuals.

 Our Products

Cargill’s Blooming Prairie plant produces over two dozen finished products. These products are manufactured by chemically bonding oxygen to unsaturated bonds found in natural vegetable oils, such as soybean, linseed or other olefinic oils. This bonding causes changes in the physical appearance and chemical properties of the oils, making them more suitable for industrial use. Our highest volume product is epoxidized soybean oil.

Epoxidized soybean oil and epoxidized linseed oil are primarily used for imparting flexibility, strength and ultraviolet stability to polyvinyl chloride resin formulations. We also produce other specialty epoxides, which are used in lubricating oil formulations, plastic formulations, and in the cosmetic field, including shampoo, lipstick, and perfume manufacture. Our products allow our customers to produce goods that are common in daily use, such as food wrap, furniture, automobile interiors, floor tile, and jar cap liners.

Commitment to Safety and the Environment

At Cargill, nothing matters more than the safety and wellbeing of our people. To ensure a safe and healthy workplace, we continue building on foundational programs that have, over the past several years, contributed to significant improvements in our overall safety results. In fact, many of our traditional metrics are the best they’ve ever been. We also recognize safety is a journey and one that calls for continuous focus, dedication and commitment.

The Blooming Prairie plant has a history of continuous improvement in safe operations. The facility has installed plant sprinkler systems, constructed a wastewater pre-treatment plant, and designed and installed spill containment systems to protect employees, the community, and the environment. The facility continues to work extensively with the Steele County Emergency Management and Safety Councils to help maintain and improve our site safety programs, including an ongoing program for monitoring and testing our workplace and the environment for exposure to chemicals.

The Minnesota Safety Council has recognized the Blooming Prairie facility with the Governor's Occupational Safety and Health Award, a prestigious award which was given to only 192 employers in the state of Minnesota.

The Blooming Prairie plant is also dedicated to preserving the richness of our environment. In our history, we have been honored with the Governor's Award for Excellence in Pollution Prevention and the Corporate AWARE Award, in recognition of our outstanding environmental performance.

On a local level, our employees demonstrate their commitment to a clean environment by participating in Minnesota’s Adopt-a-Highway program and picking up litter along a stretch of state highway near our facility.

Community Involvement

Cargill is committed to conducting business with integrity, operating responsibly, enriching communities and nourishing the world.

In the fiscal year 2021, Cargill provided $110.5 million in total charitable contributions in 56 countries to support our communities. Cargill businesses and employee-led groups partner with local civic, nonprofit and non-governmental organizations on programs and projects that improve food security and nutrition; support human rights, equity and inclusion; strengthen farmer livelihoods; and advance our commitments in the areas of land use, water and climate.

Over the years, the Blooming Prairie plant has provided volunteer hours and resources to community initiatives in science education. Additionally, the Blooming Prairie plant provides resources and support to numerous organizations throughout the community, including the Chamber of Commerce and the Park and Recreation Department. Our facility maintains an active Citizen's Advisory Panel, creating an open dialogue regarding our activities and accomplishments at the site.

Contact Information

CARGILL 157 Highway Ave. North

Blooming Prairie, MN 55917

Phone: (507) 583-6641 Fax: (507) 583-2804

Website: Cargill