Westa Foods Expands Operations in the Port of Brownsville with COSTEP’s Support

Westa Foods increased its investment in the Port of Brownsville, located in the Rio South Texas region, from 50 million to 75 million dollars.  

The Turkish company added a sunflower oil mill to its operations, complementing its original plan for a flour mill.  

The Council for South Texas Economic Progress (COSTEP) highlighted the significance of this project for the region, emphasizing its economic development and job creation benefits. They also noted that this marks the second time the company has increased its investment in the region.  

In April 2024, when the project was announced at the Port of Brownsville, the initial investment for the operations was set at 25 million dollars, with projections to create up to 120 jobs. However, recognizing the region's potential and the company’s growth plans, Zaur Kafkas, CEO of Westa Foods, announced an increase to 50 million dollars. Recently, with plans to build the oil mill, the project value has risen to 75 million dollars.  

Kafkas mentioned that the operation and construction of the company's mills will occur in several phases. The first phase involves a grinding line with a daily production capacity of 250 tons, requiring an initial investment of 20 million dollars. Subsequent phases will include adding another grinding line, storage silos for 20,000 tons of grain, and a warehouse, to gradually ensure the operations of both the flour and oil mills.  

COSTEP has played a key role in attracting this investment to Rio South Texas by presenting Westa Foods with the region's competitive advantages and serving as a liaison with the Port of Brownsville.  

Westa also became the first company to confirm investments in the new Industrial Park at the Port of Brownsville, marking another milestone in the region’s economic development.  

Through this, COSTEP reaffirmed its commitment to attracting new investment projects, driving economic growth, and generating job opportunities.