Pharos-Tribune
After the markets closed Wednesday, an opening made some news.
The Andersons Inc., which operates a grain plant near Clymers, formally announced it would move ahead with plans to build an ethanol plant there. On Sept. 1, the company broke ground for another ethanol plant in Michigan.
The Clymers plant would produce 110 million gallons a year and add 40 to 50 full-time jobs. Once approved by The Andersons' board of directors, construction will begin immediately.
"We continue to satisfactorily attain the checklist items needed to gain corporate approval for the proposed plant," said Joe Needham, general manager of the local plant. "Permits, design, economic support, zoning, well tests, environmental checks ... the list was very long and we're down to the last few, but critical, issues."
In a released statement, the company acknowledged the support of the Logansport-Cass County Economic Development Foundation, Cass County Council, Cass County Commissioners, Logansport Municipal Utilities and the Logansport/Cass County Planning Department.
Neill McKinstray, director of ethanol services for The Andersons, said the new energy bill approved by Congress has cleared the way for more plants to be built.
"Roughly 15 plants will be built in the eastern corn belt, with a number of them expected in the northern half of Indiana. We're satisfied that Cass County is the right place for one of the largest and most modern ethanol production plants in the nation."
Foundation President Skip Kuker said the $140 million project is a win for the entire community.
"Farmers, electricity consumers, taxpayers and all the related supply and transportation businesses will benefit. It's no accident that The Andersons have chosen to make a large investment here. It's a reflection of the good business environment that the elected leaders of the community have worked hart to promote. Logansport and Cass County are on a roll."
© 2005 The Logansport Pharos-Tribune.