Wisconsin Ag Connection - DeForest Biodiesel Plant Ships First Load of Biodiesel

Wisconsin Ag News Headlines

DeForest Biodiesel Plant Ships First Load of Biodiesel
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 05/17/2007

One month after firing up their new equipment to make a test batch of biodiesel, Wisconsin's first biodiesel production plant has shipped its first large-scale load of fuel. On Wednesday, Sanimax Energy delivered a shipment of biodiesel to Progressive Farmers Cooperative in Northeast Wisconsin.

"We're excited to be able to contribute to the fuel needs of Wisconsin consumers," said Sanimax Plant Manager Russ Read. "This is an exciting point in time for the Bio Industry in Wisconsin."

The company plans to produce the alternative fuel from a variety of feedstocks, including recycled restaurant oil from the Sanimax Grease facility next door. Sanimax President and CEO Mike Langenhorst says the 15,000 square-foot plant will use a patented multi-feedstock technology developed by Nova Biosource Fuels to transform recycled cooking grease, rendered animal fats and vegetable oils into high-quality, clean burning biodiesel fuel. They have the capacity to produce about 20 million gallons per year.

The Sanimax plant began construction of its facilities in early 2006. It will employ approximately 15 people once operations are in full swing.

Other biofuel facilities are being planned or considered in Evansville, Johnson Creek, Clinton, Ripon, Butler, Cashton, Owen, Valders and Chetek.