Continental Refining expands operations in Kentucky, launches rail transport for soy products

Photo: Continental Refining Co.

Continental Refining Co. in Somerset, Kentucky, announced April 16 several significant updates to its operations including a new strategic partnership, reinforcing its commitment to expanding and enhancing its soy product line and distribution methods.

Starting in June, Continental Refining will begin shipping soymeal by rail.

This development comes as Continental Refining partners with Warner Fertilizer Co. to expand the use of its existing rail siding in Somerset, enabling rail to become a key distribution channel for Continental Refining’s soybean products.

Furthermore, Continental Refining is increasing its soybean-processing capacity by 30 percent and introducing an additional soybean-meal production line.

This is achieved through a new partnership with Insta-Pro International, allowing for the production of ExPress® soybean meal and oil at the facility.

This initiative broadens Continental Refining’s soybean-meal offerings and also provides customers with a greater variety of product options, including its established UltraBlend soybean meal and the newly added ExPress® meal.

In addition to these enhancements, Continental Refining has fully commissioned its oil-degumming operations for producing high-quality soybean oil and is introducing crude soy lecithin into the market.

The facility’s operations will be capable of processing 430 tons of soybeans daily into 335 tons of high-protein soybean meal, 68 tons of soybean oil, and 21 tons of loose hulls—all crucial ingredients for livestock and poultry feed.

With these enhancements, Continental Refining can now process nearly 5 million bushels of soybeans annually (141,000 tons) into vegetable oil and feed products, including biodiesel production anticipated to reach up to 3 million gallons per year.

ExPress® soybean meal, created through a chemical-free mechanical process, is known for its high digestibility of proteins and amino acids, increased energy content, and beneficial components such as lecithin and natural antioxidants like tocopherols.

The demand for soybean meal, oil and hulls in the Central Kentucky area is significant, with an estimated annual need of around 250,000 tons, and a market that extends into Tennessee, Ohio and Indiana.

Continental Refining’s strategic expansion into soybean processing is designed to optimize production efficiency and sustainability, ultimately benefiting the company’s product quality and community relations.

Continental Refining said it is looking forward to partnering with local farmers in Central Kentucky to produce high-quality soybean products for customers throughout the region.

Farmers within 150 miles of Somerset, Kentucky, are invited to contact the company for cash bids.