Liverpool palm oil refinery owner SD Guthrie International reveals major investment into production capacity at its docklands plant. Tony McDonough reports

Liverpool palm oil refinery owner SD Guthrie International has installed a new production line at its plant close to the River Mersey.

This facility comprises two independent EIE production lines, each with a capacity of up to 20,000 tonnes, supported by new storage tanks, a loading bay, weighbridge and effluent treatment plant. 

SD Guthrie International, previously known as Sime Darby Oils, employs more than 120 people at its base on Regent Road, close to Huskisson Dock at the Port of Liverpool.

It was first set up as New Britain Palm Oils on the site in 2010 in a £40m investment. In 2015, the facility was acquired by Malaysia-based Sime Darby Plantation for just over £1bn. Most of the palm oil refined at the plant is produced by 17,000 smallholders running plantations in Papua New Guinea.

Palm oil is a type of vegetable oil and is a key ingredient in countless consumer food and personal care products. They include cakes, biscuits and chocolate as well as shampoo and detergents. It is the most widely-used vegetable oil in the world.

EIE is a process that uses enzymes to selectively rearrange fatty acids within a fat structure. Interesterification can be carried out using either chemical or enzymatic methods, with the facility utilising an enzyme-based process.

The new production line has been designed to operate under milder processing conditions while eliminating the need for post-treatment, helping to improve process efficiency and reduce effluent generation and overall environmental impact.

Richard Town, chief operations officer (manufacturing) of SD Guthrie, said the plant would enable the company to deliver tailored palm-based fat products with greater precision.

““These include margarines and spreads requiring smoothness, spreadability and controlled melting, bakery fats requiring structure, aeration and consistent performance, biscuit fillings and confectionery requiring stability, controlled melting and desired mouthfeel; and specialty fats designed for customised applications.

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“This expanded capability strengthens our ability to respond to customers’ evolving needs, while enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of our manufacturing operations.”

In August LBN reported on SD Guthrie’s annual accounts for the 12 months to December 31, 2025. They revealed a 2.7% rise in revenues to £265.4m. However pre-tax profits fell to £19.4m from £23.8m in 2024.