Mainstream Pine Products, LLC, announced plans to build an estimated $90 million crude tall oil (CTO) biorefinery at the Charleston International Manufacturing Center (CIMC) located in Berkeley County, South Carolina. The biorefinery will be a highly advanced recycling facility with capacity to process 110,000 tons of CTO for use in a wide range of industrial applications.
This facility will serve as the centerpiece of Mainstream’s strategy to become the highest quality, lowest cost producer of CTO derivatives in North America. The company anticipates breaking ground and starting construction later this year with operations commencing in 2023.
CTO is a renewable, non-food resource and a byproduct of pine trees used in paper manufacturing. It is a vital component of many chemicals including renewable diesel processing products, lubricants, adhesives, inks, paints, coatings, and tire and rubber additives.
“We conducted deep-dive market studies and reviewed pine chemical industry cycles. The increasing demand for renewable, non-food source materials led us to a nationwide search for the best location in which to expand our operations. The Goose Creek site was unsurpassed among many we considered. “It affords us an ideal manufacturing location in an integrated industrial park with reliable infrastructure and intermodal access for efficient delivery of source materials and shipping of refined products.” – Mainstream Pine Products President & CEO Rob Helwick
“Mainstream Pine Products’ announcement builds on South Carolina’s growing reputation in the renewable materials sector. I applaud this innovative company for establishing this new facility in Berkeley County and look forward to watching them thrive for years to come.” – Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt
“It is important for us to develop our line of renewable products in a plant that meets the most rigorous environmental standards,” explained Helwick. “All things being equal, we believe the general population prefers renewable products, and the biorefinery acknowledges the world’s increasing demand for more sustainable goods.”
“Mainstream Pine Products could not have picked a better location to setup operations. Berkeley County is widely recognized as a prevailing hub for manufacturing in both the region and state; and we are pleased to welcome this industry to Goose Creek to help supply and support our County’s existing industries as well as create more quality jobs and career opportunities for our citizens.” – Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb
Mainstream will be located in the 1,750-acre advanced manufacturing park at Charleston Industrial Manufacturing Center (CIMC) owned and operated by Cooper River Partners (CRP). It offers rail and deep-water access via barge, and CRP provides utility services to tenants, such as steam, compressed air, process water and more.
“We are excited to welcome Mainstream to the growing list of companies that call Charleston International Manufacturing Center home. Through providing reliable and cost-effective industrial services, CRP looks forward to supporting Mainstream’s successful growth.” – Cooper River Partners President Kent Fonvielle
“We are pleased to welcome Mainstream Pine Products to our community and look forward to its continued growth and success. By selecting Charleston Industrial Manufacturing Center as its home, it underscores what a competitive advantage this unique park in Berkeley County offers to businesses around the world.” – Charleston Regional Development Alliance Board Chairman John Hagerty
With access to interstate highways, deep water shipping and rail facilities, Mainstream’s 10-acre facility will feature industry leading NEXPINUS™ technology provided by Neste Engineering Solutions Oy. The associated project management and engineering will be provided by PegasusTSI, Inc. and supported by Neste Engineering Solutions. Mainstream has also established a long-term raw material supply chain and has engaged Citigroup Global Markets Inc. to serve as the underwriter for its tax-exempt project financing.