Investors in Paseo Biofuels, LLC, the Missouri Soybean Association (MSA) and Cargill today announced an expansion to the Paseo biodiesel plant in Kansas City, Mo. that will increase biodiesel production capacity by 40 percent.
Using soybean oil as its primary feedstock, the facility, which opened in 2008, produces 40 million gallons of biodiesel and 30 million pounds of food-grade glycerin annually. The expansion is expected to be complete by March 2013.
"Our partnership with Paseo has gone very well over last four years. Together, we have built an excellent operation that serves many of the major petroleum retailers in the U.S.," said Cargill Grain and Oilseed Supply Chain North America Business Unit Leader, Mark Stonacek.
Paseo started out of an effort in 2006 with an equity drive in which more than 650 agricultural producers in Missouri purchased shares in Paseo Biofuels, LLC, which formed a joint venture with Cargill to help make the facility a reality. It is located near the Paseo Bridge in Kansas City, Mo.
"The business model has been ideal. Co-locating the biodiesel plant next to a soybean crushing facility reduces cost, saves time and money while working with three great partners," said Dale R. Ludwig, Executive Director/CEO Missouri Soybean Association.
"I am pleased to see Missouri businesses and our agricultural producers coming together to make a significant capital investment to create new opportunities in the Show-Me State," Governor Nixon said. "This is a partnership that is growing by expanding markets for our farmers and farm families and making renewable, North American energy more accessible. We are glad to have them grow in Missouri."
"Through Governor Nixon's steady leadership, the State of Missouri and private industry are cooperatively working together to move Missouri forward, bringing more businesses and more opportunities to the state," said Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler. "It is outstanding to see this facility build new markets for our farmers and farm families as well, through investments from Cargill and the Missouri Soybean Association."
About Cargill
Cargill is an international producer and marketer of food, agricultural, financial and industrial products and services. Founded in 1865, the privately held company employs 140,000 people in 65 countries. Cargill helps customers succeed through collaboration and innovation, and is committed to applying its global knowledge and experience to help meet economic, environmental and social challenges wherever it does business. For more information, visit www.Cargill.com and its news center.