Apr 19 2007
VeraSun Energy Corporation, the nation's second-largest ethanol producer, today announced plans to build a 110MMGY ethanol biorefinery in Reynolds, Indiana, also known as BioTown™ USA. The biorefinery will be VeraSun's sixth facility and will increase the Company's annual production capacity to 670 million gallons upon completion. Currently, VeraSun has three biorefineries in operation and two additional facilities under construction.
BioTown™ USA was launched in September 2005 by Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels and is the first community in the country that is focused on meeting all of its energy needs through biorenewable resources. Reynolds is located approximately 85 miles northwest of Indianapolis.
"Governor Daniels, the state of Indiana and the community of Reynolds are to be commended for their efforts in establishing BioTown's vision and turning it into reality," said Don Endres, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of VeraSun Energy. "The long-term sustainability of renewable energy is important as our country moves to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, provide a cleaner environment and generate economic growth in rural agricultural communities.
"VeraSun's partnership with BioTown™ is another step forward for our company, the community and our nation," Endres added. "We are proud that VeraSun will be a part of this important initiative."
Site preparation for the production facility, which will be located on approximately 280 acres northeast of Reynolds on U.S. Highway 421, will begin in early May, with initial work at the site consisting of moving in heavy equipment for grading and building access roads.
"VeraSun is making a commitment to Reynolds and the BioTown™ project that continues our state's focus on renewable energy sources," said Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels.
Upon completion, tentatively scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2008, the plant will process about 39 million bushels of corn to produce 110 million gallons of ethanol and 350,000 tons of distillers grains annually, and will employ approximately 60 full-time skilled employees.
"I welcome today's announcement by VeraSun to build a new ethanol production facility in BioTown™, Indiana," said U.S. Senator Richard Lugar. "Our nation can attain a greater degree of energy independence using domestic and renewable resources, and our national security demands that we make the shift quickly. Reaching this goal requires the continued expansion of renewable fuel use in Indiana, and throughout the country."
The BioTown™ site was selected based on criteria including abundant corn supply, utilities, community support and access to highway and rail transportation. The VeraSun production facility will be located on the CSX and TPW rail lines, and will be constructed with the same unit train loading capabilities as VeraSun's other state-of-the-art facilities.
"We are very excited about VeraSun's announcement and welcome them to our community with open arms," said Connie Neininger, White County Economic Development Director. "The ethanol plant will fit perfectly into our BioTown™ initiative and our goal of becoming self-sufficient through the use of bio-renewable resources. It's a win-win situation for VeraSun, our farmers and our community."
Construction of the plant will take approximately 16 months. The plant is being engineered by ICM, Inc., of Colwich, Kansas, and the general contractor is Fagen, Inc., of Granite Falls, Minnesota.