WASHINGTON - Fifteen years ago, RFA member company Glacial Lakes Energy (GLE) began production at its existing 100-million gallon per year ethanol plant in Watertown, SD. GLE was initially formed in May 2001 and began production at its Watertown plant in August 2002. The operation had an initial production capacity of 40 million gallons per year, but underwent an expansion in 2007 to its current production capacity. The Watertown plant uses more than 43 million bushels of locally grown corn every year and also produces nearly 340,000 tons per year of high-quality distillers grain. GLE also operates a second 100 million gallon plant in Mina, S.D. to produce a combined volume of more than 240 million gallons of clean, high octane fuel every year. GLE also recently completed a unit train shipping facility at its Watertown plant. "We are excited to have reached this milestone," said GLE CEO Jim Seurer. "For the past 15 years, we are proud to have made a significant contribution to our local economy, the value-added agriculture industry, our national energy security and ultimately to consumers. We look forward to serving our communities and the U.S. ethanol industry for many more years to come. Our new state-of-the-art unit train shipping facility is a perfect fit for our future and well positions the company for the next 15 years." "The RFA congratulates Glacial Lakes Energy on its fifteen-year anniversary," said Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen. "Glacial Lakes Energy has been a leader within the U.S. ethanol industry and at RFA. The company has been a local economic engine, providing jobs and investment opportunities to the area. Consumers win when there's a choice at the pump and they benefit even more when they have access to higher ethanol blends such as E30 (30% ethanol), adding high performance octane while lowering prices at the pump. Glacial Lakes Energy has led this effort, and the company's commitment and leadership is appreciated by the entire industry. We congratulate the company's milestone and we look forward to many more."
