GRAMERCY, La. (AP) — One of the largest sugar cane refineries in the country is scheduled to begin operations in 2011.
Construction officially began Wednesday on the Louisiana Sugar Refining plant at Gramercy. The $190 million project is a joint venture between Cargill Inc., Imperial Sugar Co. and Louisiana sugar growers.
The refinery is being financed partially with $100 million in special bonds issued for projects in areas hit by the 2005 hurricanes.
Louisiana sugar industry officials say the project will combine one of the largest agricultural sectors in the state with the refining and marketing experience of Cargill and Imperial, providing a needed boost to farmers.
The plant will refine about 1 million tons of sugar annually.
