Renewable Energy Group completes $32 M Ralston Biodiesel expansion

RALSTON, Iowa,  – Renewable Energy Group, Inc. celebrated with local, state and industry leaders the completion of upgrades at its Ralston, Iowa biorefinery increasing the production capacity from 12 to 30 million gallons per year.  REG invested $32 million dollars to expand the production capacity as well as significant upgrades to logistics and storage capabilities.

“REG is positioned for long-term growth along with the entire biodiesel industry. We are proud of the project’s completion as it shows our ability to deliver more high quality products to meet market demand.” said Randy Howard, CEO. “The investment to further expand production was an easy decision for our company with the growth of our feedstock provider (Landus Cooperative) and the state of Iowa’s support of incentivizing higher biodiesel blends.”

REG broke ground on this expansion in November of 2016 with an initial $24 million commitment. As the project developed, REG invested $8 million for additional improvements. First Midwest Bank provided $20 million to partially finance the expansion.

In total, the project included 150,000 man hours and onsite peak manpower was up to 160 workers. The project was completed with zero recordable injuries.

“The Ralston plant was first built in 2002, as we moved forward with the expansion, we also took the time to improve key safety items including a fire protection system and a storm shelter,” said Derek Winkel, Executive Director, Manufacturing Operations. “Our new load out system enhances our ability to efficiently load and unload products for our transportation suppliers and customers.”

REG Ralston is one of the company’s 13 biomass-based diesel refineries. REG has a combined effective production capacity of 565 million gallons per year.

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