Construction of the corn syrup addition to the plant in Iowa’s Crossroads of Global Innovation began in late 2022.

On Oct. 2, 2024, a ribbon cutting event marked the debut of the corn syrup production line. In May, the first syrup was shipped out of the plant.

On Tuesday, the Cargill employees involved in the syrup production took some time to celebrate their accomplishments.

“Today we are celebrating an exciting milestone in the journey of our syrup facility — our first railcar shipments to customers,” said Sydney Pokorny, the facility manager of the local Cargill plant.

“The startup of a food-grade plant takes a tremendous effort, and there are many details and steps to the process,” she added. “We are so proud and thankful for every member of our team that has contributed countless hours toward the stabilization and certification of this highly advanced facility.”

Tuesday’s celebration was for the technicians, engineers, and chemists who are part of the construction, operation and quality control of the corn syrup line. The crew enjoyed a special meal at the plant.

The corn syrup is the first food-grade product to come from any of the value-added agriculture production facilities in the ag industrial park west of Fort Dodge called Iowa’s Crossroads of Global innovation.

The syrup is used as a sweetener in candy, ice cream, jams and even infant formula.

The finished product is sent out of the plant in railroad tank cars.

Cargill has not revealed how much syrup can be made at the local plant.

Pokorny said the plant has a carbon footprint that is roughly 50 percent of traditional corn syrup production facilities.

The local Cargill plant opened in 2013.

In addition to corn syrup, it makes dextrose, ethanol, feed for cattle, corn protein meal fed to poultry, corn germ, and a molasses-like substance called corn steep liquour.

Cargill employs about 180 people at the plant, plus there are another roughly 80 people working for various contractors who are assigned to the plant.