Bunge North America Grows in Missouri

• March 22, 2016

Gov. Jay Nixon announced today that Bunge North America, a leading agribusiness and food ingredient company, is finalizing the development of a new, state-of-the-art headquarters in St. Louis County and a product innovation center in St. Charles. The two proposed projects are expected to create nearly 200 new high-paying jobs in Missouri over the next ten years. The proposed project is subject to pending local approval and customary closing conditions.

“Today’s announcement that Bunge North America will not only stay in St. Louis but also expand significantly is a big win for the region and the state of Missouri,” Gov. Nixon said. “With the state’s unemployment rate at a 15-year low, Missouri’s economy continues to accelerate, and expanding companies like Bunge North America are leading the way.”

The new four-story, headquarters replaces Bunge’s current location which includes two separate buildings.  The 145,000 square foot, open concept structure will enhance Bunge’s collaborative culture.

“Bunge is proud to have been a part of the St. Louis community for more than 25 years. We are excited to remain in the region because this community is connected to so many links in the ag value chain,” said Todd Bastean, CEO, Bunge North America. “As we move to this new campus, we are creating a wonderful environment for our colleagues who are critical to our success in meeting the growing global demand for our products and services.”

Bunge decided to keep its more than 550 corporate employees in St. Louis County after conducting a multi-state search for alternative locations.

In addition to retaining the corporate office in St. Louis County, Bunge purchased a building in Missouri Research Park in St. Charles. This facility will house Bunge’s innovation center which will include pilot plants for oil and milling products as well as a test kitchen.

“We worked very closely with Bunge leaders to secure these new jobs in St. Louis County,” St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger said. “It was a highly competitive search and these new high-paying jobs will have a substantial impact on our economy. We look forward to Bunge continuing to thrive in St. Louis County and more agricultural companies moving here to be near the global center of agricultural technology.”

Bunge North America is the North American operating arm of Bunge Limited, a leading global agribusiness and food company operating in over 40 countries with approximately 35,000 employees.

Bunge buys, sells, stores and transports oilseeds and grains to serve customers worldwide; processes oilseeds to make protein meal for animal feed and edible oil products for commercial customers and consumers; and mills wheat, corn and rice to make ingredients used by food companies.

To assist Bunge with its expansion in Missouri, the Missouri Department of Economic Development has offered a strategic economic incentive package that the company can receive if it meets strict job creation criteria.