November 9, 2006
Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE: ADM) today outlined
its strategy to be the global leader in BioEnergy while
expanding its premier position in the agricultural processing
value chain.
“ADM is uniquely positioned at the intersection of the world’s
increasing demands for both food and fuel,” said Patricia
Woertz, ADM CEO and President. “As one of the largest
agricultural processors in the world and the largest biofuels
producer in the world, ADM is in a category of one to capitalize
on the exceptional opportunity ahead.”
The ADM leadership team made presentations to financial analysts
today in Chicago. “We are implementing a strategic program that
will drive both long-term growth and returns by capitalizing on
our global strengths and the changing dynamics of the global
energy and food markets,” Woertz said.
“We see our Company distinguished by five global core strengths:
our origination, storage and transportation operations across
the supply chain; our global agricultural processing footprint;
our diversified product portfolio; our experienced management
team; and our financial strength to manage for returns and
growth through business cycles,” stated Woertz.
“We have identified three strategic areas that offer the highest
potential for significant, value-added growth: expansion of the
geographic scope of our core model, diversification of our
feedstocks and growth of the BioEnergy business,” stated Woertz.
“Technology and innovation are key to driving growth in these
areas.”
Woertz also announced that the Company is considering expansion
of its origination presence in palm in Indonesia, sugar in
Brazil and other carbohydrates around the world for the
production of biofuels.
ADM reaffirmed its commitment to the future of ethanol and to
investment in research and development surrounding feedstocks
like biomass crops. Already announced BioEnergy plans include
expansion of biodiesel production capacity in the United States,
Brazil and Germany, as well as an increase of 50 percent in U.S.
ethanol production capacity. ADM also previously announced plans
to open a PHA natural plastics plant and a polyols facility to
expand the Company’s industrial applications line.
In October, the Company broke ground on a state-of-the-art cocoa
processing facility. ADM is also considering growing its
processing investment in China and increasing origination
capacity in Brazil.
Woertz said that ADM’s growth strategy – and ongoing operations
– will be supported by strategic focus areas and management
initiatives to align people, processes and investments toward
achieving the Company’s goals. The initiatives include: capital
investment screening; project management; performance metrics;
development milestones; and performance-based compensation.
Woertz closed her presentation: “We have shared with you the
opportunity we see in our key agricultural feedstocks, in the
biofuels we produce and in the global infrastructure that gives
us competitive distinction and underpins our unique positioning
for the future.”
Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) is a world leader in
agricultural processing and fermentation technology. ADM is one
of the world’s largest processors of soybeans, corn, wheat and
cocoa. ADM is also a leader in the production of soybean oil and
meal, ethanol, corn sweeteners and flour. In addition, ADM
produces value-added food and feed ingredients. Headquartered in
Decatur, Illinois, ADM has over 26,000 employees, more than 240
processing plants and net sales for the fiscal year ended June
30, 2006 of $36.6 billion. |