Louis Dreyfus Timbúes Expansion Project

In early 2024, Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC)—a global leader in agricultural and food processing—launched a major expansion of its oilseed processing facility in Timbúes, Santa Fe Province, one of Argentina’s key agricultural hubs. The 35% capacity boost for soybean and sunflower seed crushing was critical to meeting surging global demand for vegetable oils and protein meals, but severe electrical infrastructure hurdles threatened to derail the tight timeline. Dongguan GERITEL Electrical Co., Ltd. stepped in as the trusted partner, delivering tailored, UL-certified cable solutions that directly addressed LDC’s core pain points and ensured the project’s smooth, on-schedule execution.

1. Critical Electrical Hurdles Threatening LDC’s Expansion

As a cornerstone of Argentina’s agricultural export network, the Timbúes facility plays a pivotal role in global oilseed processing and shipping. The 2024 expansion required a full electrical infrastructure upgrade to support new equipment—including crushing lines, automated sorting systems, and high-capacity processors. From the outset, LDC’s engineering team identified three core, urgent pain points that threatened to delay the project’s completion and compromise its success.

Harsh Environmental Compatibility: The facility operates in a high-humidity, oil-contaminated, and temperature-fluctuating industrial zone. Standard PVC-insulated cables failed to withstand prolonged exposure to moisture, chemical splashes, and extreme heat—issues that had already caused frequent insulation breakdowns and unplanned downtime in the facility’s existing operations. For the expansion, LDC needed cables that could endure these harsh conditions without compromising performance, as even minor cable failures would lead to costly production delays.
Stringent Regulatory & Safety Mandates: Argentina’s industrial electrical codes, aligned with North American safety standards, required UL-listed cables for all high-voltage power and control circuits. Non-certified alternatives not only risked project delays and regulatory fines but also posed serious threats to worker safety—an non-negotiable priority for LDC’s global operations. The company needed a supplier that could provide fully UL-certified products to avoid compliance headaches and ensure a safe working environment.
Logistical & Communication Barriers: LDC’s previous cable suppliers struggled with unacceptably long lead times, which would have pushed the expansion timeline far beyond its target. Additionally, these suppliers lacked Spanish-language technical support, creating miscommunication gaps with LDC’s local engineering team and slowing down decision-making. LDC needed a partner that could deliver custom-sized cables quickly and communicate seamlessly in Spanish to align with local workflows and keep the project on track.
LDC’s priority was clear: source heavy-duty, UL-certified cables that could operate reliably in harsh conditions, meet strict safety standards, and arrive on schedule to avoid production losses. Local Argentine suppliers could not meet the UL certification requirement, while other international suppliers failed to address the logistical and communication barriers. This is where GERITEL’s expertise in UL-certified cables, Spanish-speaking team, and fast delivery capabilities became the perfect fit for LDC’s critical needs.

2. Choosing the Right Cables for the Job

After detailed consultations with Louis Dreyfus’ engineering team, we identified two key cable types to meet the project’s needs: XHHW electric cable heavy duty and Control Cables Type TC-ER, each selected for their unique advantages over alternative options.

The XHHW electric cable heavy duty was chosen for the facility’s main power distribution, particularly in outdoor and humid areas. Unlike standard THHN cables, which are suitable for dry indoor environments, XHHW cables feature cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation that offers superior heat resistance (90°C in both dry and wet conditions) and moisture protection. For this project, we supplied XHHW cables in sizes 12 AWG to 4/0 AWG, with a voltage rating of 600V, designed to withstand direct burial and exposure to oil and chemical residues—critical for the facility’s processing zones. Compared to PVC-insulated cables, XHHW’s XLPE insulation is thicker and more resistant to wear, reducing the risk of cable failure and costly downtime.

XHHW-2 cable low voltage 600V rated

For the facility’s control systems, we recommendedControl Cables Type TC-ER, a tray cable designed for exposed runs without the need for additional conduit. Type TC-ER cables are compliant with NEC Article 336 and UL 1277 standards, making them ideal for industrial settings where cables are routed in trays or exposed to the elements. We provided TC-ER cables in 2-conductor to 12-conductor configurations, with 18 AWG to 12 AWG conductors, rated for 600V and 90°C. Unlike standard Type TC cables, TC-ER’s enhanced jacket offers better flame resistance and UV protection, making it suitable for the facility’s outdoor cable runs and high-temperature equipment areas. This eliminated the need for extra conduit installation, reducing both material costs and installation time for the client.

Our team’s Spanish-speaking capability ensured smooth communication throughout the specification process. We translated technical documents, discussed cable requirements in the client’s native language, and addressed questions about product specifications and compliance—eliminating the language barrier that had plagued the client’s previous supplier searches.

3. UL Certification and Quality Control

Safety is non-negotiable in industrial facilities, especially those handling flammable solvents and high-power equipment. The primary reason Louis Dreyfus chose GERITEL was our UL certification, which is widely recognized in Argentina and aligns with the country’s industrial electrical codes that mirror North American safety standards. All our XHHW electric cable heavy duty and Control Cables Type TC-ER are UL-certified, ensuring compliance with international safety standards for electrical products and eliminating the risk of regulatory fines or project delays.

Beyond certification, we implemented strict quality control measures to ensure reliability—directly addressing LDC’s concern about cable durability in harsh conditions. Each batch of cables underwent insulation resistance testing (≥1000MΩ using a 2500V megohmmeter) and flame resistance testing, meeting the requirements of UL standards. We also conducted environmental testing to verify the cables’ resistance to oil, moisture, and temperature fluctuations—critical for the Timbúes facility’s harsh conditions. For the XHHW cables, we added a special corrosion-resistant jacket to protect against the facility’s oil residues, further enhancing long-term durability and reducing the risk of unplanned downtime.

Additionally, we provided detailed safety documentation, including UL certification copies, material safety data sheets (MSDS), and installation guidelines—all translated into Spanish—to ensure the client’s engineering team could install and maintain the cables safely and correctly, further streamlining workflows and avoiding communication gaps.

4. Meeting Tight Deadlines for Project Success

LDC’s expansion project had a strict timeline, with the new processing line scheduled to launch in late 2024. Delays in cable delivery would have pushed back the entire project, resulting in significant financial losses—exactly the risk LDC sought to avoid by prioritizing fast lead times. One of our core advantages—fast delivery—directly addressed this critical pain point.

After finalizing the order, we began production immediately, leveraging our efficient manufacturing process to produce the required meters of XHHW electric cable heavy duty and Control Cables Type TC-ER in a short timeframe—far faster than the prolonged lead times LDC had experienced with previous suppliers. We then coordinated with trusted international shipping partners to ensure timely delivery to the Timbúes facility, with clear customs documentation (including UL certification and compliance statements) to avoid delays at Argentina’s ports. The entire process—from order confirmation to on-site delivery—was completed quickly, well ahead of the client’s required timeline and ensuring the expansion stayed on track.

Our team also provided on-site technical support in Spanish, assisting the client’s installation team with cable routing and connection guidance. This hands-on support ensured the cables were installed correctly, reducing the risk of installation errors and further speeding up the project timeline—another layer of value that addressed LDC’s need for seamless, local-aligned support.

5. Reliable Performance and Long-Term Value

By October 2024, the Louis Dreyfus Timbúes expansion project was completed on schedule, with the new processing line fully operational—achieving the 35% capacity boost LDC had targeted. OurXHHW electric cable heavy duty and Control Cables Type TC-ER have performed flawlessly, even in the facility’s harsh, oil-contaminated, high-humidity environment. The XHHW cables have maintained stable power distribution in all zones, with no signs of insulation degradation or cable failure—eliminating the unplanned downtime LDC had experienced with standard PVC cables in the past. The TC-ER control cables have ensured reliable communication between the facility’s control systems and equipment, supporting the efficient operation of the new processing lines and automating workflows.

The client benefited from several key outcomes: reduced downtime due to reliable, harsh-environment-resistant cables, lower installation costs from the TC-ER cables’ conduit-free design, full compliance with Argentina’s regulatory and safety mandates (thanks to our UL certification), and on-schedule project completion that avoided costly production losses. The expansion has positioned the Timbúes facility as a more efficient, high-capacity hub for LDC’s global operations, enabling the company to meet surging global demand for vegetable oils and protein meals.

In summary, the client recognized significant value in our partnership: UL-certified products that met strict regulatory requirements, a Spanish-speaking team that eliminated communication barriers, high-quality cables tailored to their harsh industrial environment, and fast delivery that kept the project on track. The client has since expressed satisfaction with the solution, noting that our cables have exceeded their expectations for durability and performance, and that our support streamlined the entire process.

6. Choose GERITEL for Your Next Electric Cable Export Project

If you’re undertaking an industrial project in Argentina or any global market, and need reliable, certified electric cables delivered on time—just like LDC did—GERITEL is your trusted partner. We specialize in UL-certified cables, including XHHW electric cable heavy duty, Control Cables Type TC-ER, and other industrial cables, tailored to meet the unique needs of your project. Our Spanish-speaking team ensures seamless communication, our strict quality control guarantees durability in even the harshest environments, and our fast delivery capabilities keep your project on schedule—eliminating the same pain points LDC faced.

Don’t let certification issues, language barriers, or delayed deliveries derail your project. Contact us today to discuss your cable requirements and get a tailored solution that delivers value and reliability.