‘Mechanical failure’ causes shutdown at Cargill mill

FORT DODGE, IOWA, U.S. — A “significant mechanical failure” to a key piece of operational equipment at a Fort Dodge, Iowa, U.S., corn wet mill owned and operated by Cargill forced the company to suspend shipments and deliveries at the facility. The mechanical failure took place Feb. 6, and as of Feb. 10 the company still was in the process of assessing the damage to the equipment.

“Fortunately, none of our employees or contractors were injured during the failure, and there were no environmental impacts,” Cargill said. “We have temporarily suspended shipments and deliveries at the facility. We are continuing to meet our customer commitments through the Cargill operational network. Our employees and contractors are still working onsite.”

Cargill purchased the mill from Tate & Lyle P.L.C. in 2011. The plant is able to grind 150,000 bushels of corn per day and produces ethanol, dextrose and animal feed.

Source: World Grain