Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM) announced May 22 that it has completed a major series of enhancements at its export terminal in Santos in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.

“ADM is celebrating 20 years in Brazil in 2017, and there is no better way to honor that milestone than with the completion of this major improvement project,” said Scott Fredericksen, president of ADM South America. “Our upgraded terminal in Santos, with increased unloading and loading capabilities, allows us to connect Brazilian grain to world markets more efficiently while setting the industry benchmark for sustainable operations, and creating jobs in the region.”

The project added a second ship loading line and a fourth truck unloading station, allowing for more efficient operations. It also expanded the facility’s storage capacity from 172,000 to 194,000 metric tons and annual handling capacity from 6 million to 8 million metric tons.

The company significantly enhanced the terminal’s environmental controls, reducing dust particle emissions by 80% through the use of technology that improves the flow and storage of grain.

“In 20 years, we have expanded to become one of the largest agribusinesses in Brazil, with good reason: Brazilian farmers play a critical role in feeding an expanding global population,” said Luciano Botelho, ADM’s president of South American Oilseeds. “Our strategic growth projects in Brazil — including the modernization at Santos as well as our ongoing improvement project at the Port of Barcarena — are enhancing our ability to move more crops around the world and to do so more efficiently and sustainably.”

ADM’s original Santos Port concession began in 1997. In 2015, the company signed an agreement to continue operations at the port until 2037.