American Rice starts $110 million expansion in Port Freeport

American Rice starts $110 million expansion in Port Freeport

   American Rice Inc. said it will begin a $110 million expansion in Port Freeport, Texas, by mid-2006.

   The first phase of expansion, which is expected to be finished by late 2008, includes a 151,165-square-foot automated warehouse, eight large rice storage bins, a 36,206-square-foot instant rice manufacturing plant, and an olive oil bottling facility.

   American Rice’s parent, Grupo SOS Cuetara in Spain, will use the second phase of its construction plan to set up a cookie bakery at Port Freeport.