Cooperatives invest R$1,25 billion in biodiesel and soybean meal industry

Cotrijal, Cotripal and Cotrisal announced this Wednesday (28/5) the construction of a soybean processing industry focused on biodiesel production, in Cruz Alta/RS. The project marks the creation of the Soli3 center, an unprecedented union between the three cooperatives, and foresees an investment of R$ 1,25 billion, with financing from BNDES.

The plant will have the capacity to process 3 tons of soybeans per day, totaling 1 million tons per year. Production will include degummed oil, biodiesel, glycerin, bran and pelletized soybean hulls. The products will serve both the domestic and foreign markets. Part of the volume will supply the cooperatives themselves.

Operations are expected to begin in 2028. The estimated revenue is around R$2,2 billion per year. Construction, scheduled to begin in January 2026, will generate around 150 direct jobs. During operation, 500 direct jobs and XNUMX indirect jobs are expected to be created.

Located on the banks of the Luciano Furlan highway, the industry will occupy an area of ​​138 hectares, with 62 thousand square meters of built area. Cruz Alta was chosen for its strategic location, with access to the railway and port routes. The expected storage capacity is 160 thousand tons.

The presidents of the cooperatives highlighted the importance of intercooperation for gaining scale, logistical efficiency and adding value to the production of members. Mayor Paula Rubin Facco Librelotto celebrated the impact of the project on regional development.

Soli3 will be chaired alternately by Walter Vontobel (Cotrisal), Germano Döwich (Cotripal) and Nei César Manica (Cotrijal) for the first three years. The three cooperatives serve more than 100 municipalities and have around 35 members, with a storage capacity of 2,8 million tons.