Grainnet

Jefferson City, MO--Kentucky-based Owensboro Grain started out 101 years ago as a small grain merchant.

Today, the company showed it still has the same entrepreneurial spirit as the current owners’ ancestors.

It opened a biodiesel plant in Owensboro, KY with the capacity to add 50 million gallons of fuel to the nation’s energy supply each year.

The company started out shipping corn on barges, according to John Wright, vice president of strategic planning and development, and a fourth-generation family operator of Owensboro Grain.

He says in the 1950s, his grandfather evolved the company into soybean processing, recognizing early on that soybeans would play a significant role in the economy.

“In 1995, we evolved again by getting into vegetable oil-refining, so opening a biodiesel plant is the next progression for us,” Wright said.

“I believe my great-grandfather and grandfather would be extremely proud.

"My grandpa was always a trend-setter, looking for the next wave.”

The biodiesel plant is located adjacent to the vegetable oil refinery and will use soybeans from Kentucky and across the region.

“Our company produces 75 million gallons of soybean oil each year currently at our vegetable oil refinery, so we are somewhat unique in that we will have a secure supply of consistent-quality feedstock,” Wright said.

There are now 151 plants operating throughout the country.

Many of them are family or farmer-owned, and most fall into the category of small business.

Biodiesel production promotes economic development.

A recent study showed that the industry will create almost 40,000 jobs and add $24 billion to the overall U.S. economy between now and 2015.

“The Owensboro Grain plant will further our industry’s goals to augment America’s energy independence by providing environmentally friendly, domestically produced renewable fuels,” said Joe Jobe, CEO of the National Biodiesel Board (NBB).

“Plants like these add valuable refining capacity to our nation’s fuel supply.

"They also contribute to the local economy while stimulating the agricultural sector.

"That’s a positive step for Kentucky and for the nation.”

Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher and Sen. Jim Bunning (R-KY) as well as other local dignitaries joined in the grand opening celebrations.

The plant is the largest biodiesel production plant in the state.

Biodiesel is a renewable fuel made from any vegetable oil or animal fat, and can be blended with diesel fuel, usually at a blend of 20 percent (B20) or lower.

Biodiesel significantly reduces emissions, including carbon monoxide, particulate matter and life cycle carbon dioxide.

It is one of the best greenhouse gas mitigation strategies available with today’s vehicle technology.

The NBB is the national not-for-profit trade association representing the biodiesel industry.

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