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POET Biorefining – Marion (Ohio) is undergoing an expansion that is expected to more than double its capacity from nearly 70 million gallons per year to 150 million gallons per year, improving the grain market for local farmers and adding new jobs to the community. With the expansion, high-protein animal feed production is expected to grow from 178,000 tons to approximately 360,000 tons annually.
Current production capacity: 70 million gallons annually
Corn purchases: 24 million bushels annually
High-protein animal feed production: 178,000 tons
Number of employees: 43 Marion employees, plus 2 POET Plant Management employees for a total of 45
Corn Oil: Added in 2012, producing 13,000 tons annually
CO2: Added in 2013, producing 26,000 tons in 2017
"As more drivers choose biofuels, growth opportunities such as this and new technologies to lower fuel emissions will follow," said Jeff Lautt, POET President and Chief Operating Officer.
With the increased production, corn purchases from area farmers is expected to grow from the current 24 million bushels to approximately 50 million bushels annually, improving the grain market for farmers at a time when agriculture is facing challenging commodity prices, farm incomes and land values. POET today spends more than $330 million on Ohio corn annually.
"Marion proved to be the perfect location for this expansion," General Manager Rick Fox said. "We have a strong partnership with this community, there is a talented workforce here, and the state of Ohio is a strong agricultural state and steadfast supporter of biofuels. This plant has continuously been a top-performer with a creative, hard-working team, and we’re excited to be the site for POET’s largest expansion ever."
The project will cost approximately $120 million and provide more than 225 construction-related jobs and 18- 21 new permanent jobs for the area. Site work is planned to begin this summer with a construction start in the fall and completion estimated for fall 2018.
"I’m so excited that POET has announced the expansion of their Marion facility," said Keith Truckor, Chair of the Ohio Corn Checkoff. "Demand for clean-burning Ohio-made ethanol is growing and that means demand for Ohio corn is up, too. We’re so fortunate to have POET operating here. Ethanol production in Ohio is helping our environment, creating jobs and helping Ohio’s hard-working farmers."
"This expansion is a boon not only for the Marion community but also for all of the farmers in the area who will see a growing market for their grain," said Gus Comstock, CEO of the Greater Marion Community Area New Development Organization. "POET’s growth is just another example of the expanding opportunities and phenomenal workforce available in this community."
Keith Truckor, Chair of the Ohio Corn Checkoff
