KINGSTON, JAMAICA — Seprod Ltd., in partnership with Merriam, Kansas, U.S.-based Seaboard Corp., on March 15 opened Jamaica Grain and Cereals in Kingston. The opening comes less than a year after Seprod and Seaboard said they were considering plans for a new mill in Jamaica.

According to an article in the Jamaica Observer, Seprod invested $3 billion Jamaican dollars (U.S. $23.8 million) in the facility, which will produce Gold Seal brand flour and corn products. The facility has five silos.

“It is an important signal when one of the largest food manufacturers in the Caribbean undertakes such an expansive investment,” Andrew Holness, Jamaica’s prime minister, said during a March 15 ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“What Seprod is doing is taking a calculated risk to ensure its success and is confirming its significant role within the virtuous cycle of business success and national economic growth,” Mr. Holness said.

Seaboard acquired a 50% stake in Jamaica Grain and Cereals from Seprod in late 2015. A diversified food company with dairy, juice, juice, and cereal operation, Seprod has been in the dry corn milling business since 1996.

Seprod’s flour mill is Jamaica’s second. Jamaica Flour Mills Ltd. is owned by ADM Milling Co.