REG starts up new biorefinery in Northeast Texas
Renewable Energy Group (REG) has started up production at its newest biorefinery in Northeast Texas, the company confirmed on Wednesday.
The largest US biodiesel producer and marketer hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of major upgrades at the New Boston biorefinery, located about 150 miles east of Dallas.
REG acquired the 15 million gal/year refinery in November 2012 after it had been shut down for nearly four years.
This is the second Texas biorefinery REG has acquired. REG also operates a biorefinery in Houston and five other plants in Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota, which give the company more than 225 million gallons of annual production capacity.
Since last fall, 22 new full-time employees have been hired. These employees joined company leaders, customers, suppliers and community members to cut the ribbon and celebrate the plant’s first sale.
“Biodiesel is America’s leading and growing advanced biofuel, which supports agriculture and food production here in the United States,” said Daniel J. Oh, REG’s chief executive. “We are proud to purchase raw materials like poultry fats and used cooking oils from this region, and use them to produce high quality, clean burning fuels to help power our transportation industry.”
Utilizing its extensive logistics and distribution network, REG will market REG-9000 brand biodiesel to petroleum distributors, truck stops and oil refiners across the region.
“Diesel engines can use a B20 biodiesel blend produced right here in New Boston, Texas by your neighbors,” said Oh. “Every gallon of fuel we produce and use at home makes our country more energy secure while revitalizing local communities by offering new jobs.”
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