LANSING, Mich. - State Representative Dudley Spade (D-Tipton) today announced that Biofuel Industries Group, LLC received initial approval from the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) Board to obtain Michigan's first Renewable Energy Renaissance Zone for the 25 acre site of their planned biodiesel production facility in Adrian. The renaissance zone, which was the key component in allowing Lenawee County and the City of Adrian to secure the $10 million project, was created by legislation passed by the House and Senate earlier this year and recently signed into law. Today's action by the MSF Board assures that the new Adrian facility will go ahead as planned.
"One of the promises I made to the people of the 57th District was to promote Lenawee County as a leader in the production and distribution of renewable fuels," Representative Spade said. "Today, we have taken a major step forward in putting ourselves at the cutting edge of investment in and development of this growing industry. Lenawee County will now boast the largest bio-diesel plant and, when all construction is complete, the largest ethanol plant in the State of Michigan. As a member of the Legislature and, more specifically, a member of the House Committee on Agriculture, I have actively promoted legislation and state investment in developing this technology. I want to thank my colleagues in the Legislature for working with me to pass the necessary legislation to make this new facility possible."
The 18,000 square foot plant is expected to be up and running by the end of 2007 and will bring $10 million and create 20 new jobs. Though initial production is only expected to be 10 million gallons per year, the facility, building, and infrastructure will be sized to accommodate 20 million gallons per year of biodiesel production. In addition, Biofuel Industries Group has already announced its intentions to expand their onsite production to up to 40 million gallons per year and/or bring in other alternative fuel technologies to this same site. The new Adrian facility will also produce and sell glycerin, a byproduct of bio-diesel production.
"The City of Adrian and Lenawee County are achieving a brand as a hub for renewable fuels and agricultural value added projects," said Lenawee County Chamber for Economic Development CEO David Munson. "These projects create significant investments, good-paying jobs, help our country, and support our rural values. We greatly appreciate Representative Spade's help in getting the key legislation through the House in a timely manner so that we were able to capture this project. This truly is a great day for Lenawee County."
More information is available by contacting James McBryde with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation at (517) 335-1847, or Mr. Timothy VerVaecke, Chief Operation Officer of Biofuel Industries Group, at (586) 899-5122.