Milling & Baking News - July 24, 2012 - 14

Business 

EGT export grain terminal in Longview dedicated
LONGVIEW, WASH. — Marking the industry’s first such opening in more than a quarter century, dedication ceremonies were conducted July 9 at the export grain elevator of EGT L.L.C. in Longview. The EGT terminal first received an export vessel for loading in February and has scaled up operation since then (see Milling & Baking News of March 6, Page 34). To date, 20 vessels exporting more than 1 million tonnes of grain have been serviced, and the facility is projected to have an annual throughput capacity of 8 million tonnes, loading up to 200 vessels. The dedication ceremony was highlighted by a keynote address by Islam A. Siddiqui, chief agricultural negotiator with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Mr. Siddiqui offered an overview of U.S. trade policy and opportunities for continuing growth in agricultural exports. EGT is a joint venture between

Bunge North America; Itochu International Inc., a U.S. subsidiary of Japanese trading company ITOCHU Corp.; and STX Pan Ocean, a top international bulk carrier, based in South Korea. The first U.S. export terminal built

since the 1980s, the EGT facility features technology making the operation faster, more flexible and efficient than other export terminals, the company said. “Our Longview terminal will help expand economic opportunities for American farmers to meet growing demand for grain in Asia,” said Larry Clarke, chief executive officer of EGT. “In our industry, efficiency and speed are critical to success. Farmers need to know they can deliver grain from field to market as quickly as possible and EGT’s innovative design, technology and dedicated workforce make us the most efficient terminal in the marketplace.” Mr. Siddiqui offered a broader context in his remarks. “As our economic recovery continues, agriculture is truly leading the way,” he said. “Last year, U.S. agricultural exports reached a record high of $137.4 billion, and supported over 1 million American jobs.” MBN updated equipment and streamlined processes. Outside of the United States, Kellogg said it has reviewed processes and equipment to ensure optimal energy efficiency at its plant in Bremen, Germany, where energy use has been reduced by 19% (per metric tonne of food produced) since 2005; installed 125 solar collectors at its cereal and snacks plant in Linares, Mexico, which are now used to heat water for boilers; and lowered electricity consumption from lighting in the office areas of its plant in Takasaki, Japan, by installing a special, highly reflective material in standard fluorescent tube fixtures that allow half the tubes to be removed. MBN

Seven Kellogg baking plants recognized for energy efﬁciency
BATTLE CREEK, MICH. — Seven Kellogg Co. bakeries in the United States have earned the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star certification, a designation that places them in the top 25% of similar facilities nationwide for energy efficiency. Last year, the E.P.A. awarded these same facilities the firstever Energy Star certification for bakeries that demonstrate best-in-class energy performance. The Energy Star-certified bakeries include Kellogg’s bakeries in Augusta and Columbus, Ga.; Raleigh and Charlotte, N.C.; Cincinnati; and Florence and Louisville, Ky. “Our company is committed to producing more using fewer natural resources — and that includes finding new ways to reduce energy use at our facilities,” said Diane Holdorf, chief sustainability officer, Kellogg. “We’re pleased to accept E.P.A.’s Energy Star certification in recognition of these efforts at our bakeries.” To reduce energy use, Kellogg said its bakeries have engaged employees,

Hostess suffers $4.5 million loss in ﬁve-week period
IRVING, TEXAS — Hostess Brands, Inc. sustained a loss of $4,465,000 in the five weeks ended June 2. This compared with a loss of $938,000 in the four weeks ended April 28. EBITDA in the most recent five weeks was $6,736,000, which compared with $2,898,000 in the period ended April 28. Net sales in the five weeks ended June 2 were $232,845,000, which compared with $184,407,000 in the four weeks ended April 28. Hostess Brands listed its total assets as of June 2 at $1,067,189,000 and total liabilities at $2,531,810,000. The results were filed July 6 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court Southern District of New York. MBN
14 / July 24, 2012 Milling & Baking News

Ministry approves Glencore acquisition of Viterra
CALGARY, ALTA. — The Minister of Industry in Canada has approved Glencore International P.L.C.’s acquisition of Viterra Inc. under the Investment Canada Act. Additionally, Glencore has received notification from the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China that it has moved to the next phase of review of the transaction. The review is expected to continue into August, meaning the transaction will not close by the court approved date of July. Canada-based Viterra operates three business segments: grain handling and marketing, agri-products and processing. Based in Baar, Switzerland, Glencore is one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of commodities. The company has activities in the production, sourcing, processing, refining, transporting, storage, financing and supply of metals and minerals, energy products and agricultural products. MBN
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Milling & Baking News - July 24, 2012

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