Wilmar opens operational phase 1 of large edible oils refinery in Richards Bay IDZ

30th May 2024

Wilmar opens operational phase 1 of large edible oils refinery in Richards Bay IDZ

From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.

Sashnee Moodley:

Multinational agribusiness Wilmar Processing has completed the operational phase 1 of its edible oils refinery in Richards Bay. Schalk Burger has the story.

Schalk Burger:

Wilmar specialises in palm and lauric oils, the refining and fractionation of edible oils, and the production of oleo-chemicals, specialty fats, palm biodiesel, and consumer oils.

The Wilmar refinery in Richards Bay will process imported and locally sourced oilseeds, mainly imported palm oil and local sunflower seed. The company also processes soybean, rapeseed, groundnut, sesame seed and cotton seed into various products.

Phase 2 of its Richards Bay 500 t /day refinery and 500 t/day fractionator, which will see the project completed, is expected to be fully operational by December this year.

Eight local enterprises have also been integrated into Wilmar’s supply chain, benefiting sectors including agro-processing, chemicals, and logistics.

The company's refining and processing plants are usually located near deep draft ports that are logistically advantageous for transportation.

Wilmar Processing South Africa GM Theiva Muthu details why the company selected Richards Bay to build a new refinery.

Wilmar Processing South Africa GM Theiva Muthu…

Sashnee Moodley:

That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy. Don’t forget to listen to the audio version of our Engineering News daily email newsletter.