A project that was years in the making is now helping strengthen one of Illinois’ most important industries. As of June 2026, the expansion of Incobrasa Industries’ soybean and biodiesel processing facility in Gilman is fully operational, nearly doubling the plant’s soybean crushing capacity while positioning the company for success in the years ahead.
This project represents a substantial expansion of one of Illinois’ leading soybean processors. The facility receives soybeans by rail and truck before producing soybean oil, food-grade vegetable oil, meal, hulls, and biodiesel. With the expansion, capacity has increased from approximately 43 million to 83 million bushels of soybeans annually.
The expansion also reflects a broader shift in the soybean industry. As Illinois continues investing in domestic processing and renewable fuels, projects like this help create stronger in-state markets for Illinois-grown soybeans while supporting manufacturers, farmers, and regional economic growth.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker speaking at the plant’s groundbreaking.
From Vision to Operation
This journey began in 2022 with the start of project planning and design. This was followed by a groundbreaking ceremony the next year, which had Illinois Governor JB Pritzker in attendance. He joined the event, recognizing the project’s potential to strengthen soybean processing capabilities, support job growth, and further invest in an industry that plays a vital role in Illinois’ economy.
For Clark Dietz, this project also represented the continuation of a long-standing relationship with Incobrasa. After providing engineering services for the original soybean processing facility in 1996, the firm returned to support the next phase of the plant’s growth.
Clark Dietz provided electrical, mechanical, civil, and structural engineering services for the 2022 project, facilitating the expansion from design through construction.
“It was the biggest job I’ve worked on for electrical distribution since having been at Clark Dietz for over 40 years. The client was extremely happy with us and our services. We worked on the original plant back in 1996, so it was especially rewarding to support its continued growth nearly 30 years later.”
— Steve Myers, LC, LEED AP, Senior Project Manager
For this facility to support nearly twice the production capacity, this required significant upgrades to the facility’s infrastructure. Clark Dietz provided electrical engineering for the equipment that powers plant operations, including a new electrical distribution system, standby power systems, and coordination for a new substation serving the existing and expanded facilities. The project was designed to support current production goals, as well as to be able to accommodate future growth.
The expansion also consisted of the design of a new 5-megawatt (MW) ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) system that will help power plant operations. Clark Dietz provided electrical, civil, and structural engineering for the 25-acre solar development installation, including site design, stormwater management, structural foundations for electrical equipment, utility coordination, and construction-phase services. As the first of four planned solar developments on the site, the project demonstrates Incobrasa’s continued investment in sustainable operations.
“The biggest challenge was the high electrical demand. It was also a design-build, so they were constructing it as we were designing it. Keeping multiple teams coordinated while maintaining an aggressive schedule required constant communication and collaboration.”
— Steve Myers, LC, LEED AP, Senior Project ManagerIncobrasa plant silo.
Beyond the electrical and solar improvements, Clark Dietz also provided mechanical, civil, and structural engineering services for multiple critical facilities across the site, including electrical buildings, utility structures, a water cistern, and a fire pump building. The team remained involved throughout construction, providing ongoing coordination and construction support to help bring the project from design to operation.
With the expansion now complete, Incobrasa is positioned to process millions more bushels of soybeans each year while supporting Illinois agriculture, renewable energy production, and regional economic growth. For Clark Dietz, the project demonstrates how long-term partnerships and multidisciplinary engineering can help clients plan and grow with confidence.
More information on the project can be found here.
