BROOKINGS, S.D., Sept. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- VeraSun Energy Corp.
(NYSE: VSE), one of the nation's largest ethanol producers, today announced
the startup of its 110 million gallon per year (MMGY) ethanol biorefinery
located near Dyersville, Iowa. The Dyersville production facility marks the
14th VeraSun biorefinery in operation, increasing the company's annual
production capacity to more than 1.4 billion gallons.
'We are pleased to bring another large-scale, environmentally friendly
ethanol production facility on-line in the state of Iowa,' VeraSun CEO Don
Endres said. 'The state continues to be a leader in renewable fuels
production, helping our nation to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. We
commend the Dyersville community, its leadership, and the local corn producers
for making this day a reality.'
According to the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, VeraSun Dyersville is
the 32nd operating biorefinery in Iowa, increasing overall annual production
capacity in the state to almost 2.5 billion gallons. The Dyersville facility
is VeraSun's fifth production facility in Iowa, joining other 110MMGY
biorefineries in Albert City, Charles City, Fort Dodge, and Hartley. At
550MMGY of annual production capacity, VeraSun is the largest ethanol producer
in the state.
Located on approximately 200 acres west of Dyersville, construction on the
facility began in October 2006. The biorefinery will annually process
approximately 39 million bushels of corn and produce about 350,000 tons of
distillers grains for livestock feed, in addition to employing approximately
55 workers. VeraSun took ownership of the plant on April 1, 2008, following
its merger with U.S. BioEnergy.
VeraSun Dyersville is the fifth VeraSun facility to come on-line this
year, joining sister production facilities in Marion, S.D., Bloomingburg,
Ohio, Hankinson, N.D., and Hartley, Iowa.
About VeraSun Energy Corporation
VeraSun Energy Corp. (NYSE: VSE), headquartered in Brookings, S.D., is a
leading producer and marketer of ethanol and distillers grains.
