WASHINGTON - Ten years ago, RFA member company Western New York Energy (WNYE) began production at its 62-million gallon per year ethanol plant in Medina, N.Y. WNYE was founded in 2004 and on Dec. 1, 2007, production began at the first ethanol plant in New York State. The ethanol plant had an initial production capacity of 50 million gallons per year and today is capable of producing 30% more than its original nameplate design. The ethanol plant uses more than 20 million bushels of locally grown corn every year and projects to use nearly 21 million bushels of corn next year, while also producing more than 160,000 tons per year of high-quality distillers grain. "We are excited to have reached this milestone," said WNYE President and CEO Tim Winters. "For the past 10 years, we have been proud to partner with New York farmers to produce a clean, renewable and domestically produced fuel. We look forward to serving our communities and the U.S. ethanol industry for many years to come, helping to provide consumers with a choice at the pump." "WNYE has always benefitted from strong leadership, great technology and effective management," said RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen. "The plant was born from the vision of John Sawyer and his son, Mike. Together, they built local support, drove fundraising, and secured the most efficient technology available. As a result, this community has benefitted from a value-added business that is driving the local economy and providing consumers with high octane, low-cost alternative fuels. WNYE has been an unmitigated success." "Now, ten years later, the company continues to provide significant economic growth for the community and consumers, driven by the steady hand of Tim Winters and a Board of Directors resolved to maintain its tradition of excellence. On behalf of the U.S. ethanol industry, I pass along my heartfelt congratulations and wishes for many more years to come," Dinneen added.
