BioFuels Journal

Johnston, IA - The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) today recognized Homeland Energy Solutions, an ethanol production facility near Lawler, Iowa, for producing its one billionth gallon of ethanol.

“Congratulations to Homeland Energy Solutions for achieving one billion gallons,” said IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw.

“Their commitment to cleaner-burning, homegrown ethanol has resulted in more local jobs, a cleaner environment and decreased dependence on foreign oil.

"The one billion gallons we celebrate today has not only had a big impact on the local economy, but its positive ripple effects extend across our nation.”

Homeland and Energy Solutions, which began production in April 2009, officially produced its one billionth gallon of ethanol on Aug. 31 of this year.

The plant employs 49 workers and produces more than 150 million gallons of ethanol a year, making it one of the largest dry grind plants in operation today.

In honor of its one billionth gallon, the company is holding an open house on Oct. 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Homeland Energy Solutions is proud to achieve this important milestone," said James Broghammer, Homeland Energy Solutions CEO.

“Since the beginning, we have focused on expanding first through optimization followed by capital investments.

"We strive to get the most out of what we have while using a team approach with vendors, employees and suppliers.

“While we were not the first plant to reach one billion gallons, we reached this milestone as quickly as any other plant in the country,” said Kevin Howes, Homeland Energy Solutions Plant Manager.

“This would not have been possible without a very proactive Board of Directors and an outstanding group of employees.

"It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of and lead one of the best teams in the industry. I am looking forward to producing the next billion gallons.”

One billion gallons of ethanol equals 34,722 loads of rail tanker cars.

In reaching the one billionth milestone, Homeland Energy Solutions has purchased more than 340 million bushels of corn, which equals approximately $1.7 billion dollars.

The facility also has produced more than 162 million pounds of corn oil and 2.6 million tons of distillers grains since it began production.

Iowa is the nation’s leader in renewable fuels production.

Iowa has 43 ethanol refineries capable of producing 4 billion gallons annually, including nearly 55 million gallons of annual cellulosic ethanol production capacity.

In addition, Iowa has 12 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce more than 315 million gallons annually.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association was formed in 2002 to represent the state’s liquid renewable fuels industry.

The trade group fosters the development and growth of the renewable fuels industry in Iowa through education, promotion, legislation and infrastructure development.

For more information, please contact Monte Shaw at 515-252-6249.

See Related Websites/Articles:

• Iowa Renewable Fuels Association

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