Valero says future is bright in Linden

LINDEN, Ind. (WLFI) - Valero Energy Corporation continues to make a name for itself when it comes alternative energy.

Company executives said the future is bright for the ethanol plant in Linden.

After shutting down in August of 2007, the plant in Linden, now Valero Renewables, has come back strong. Plans are to produce 110 million gallons of ethanol every year.

"Valero is here to stay,” said Executive Director of Media Relations Bill Day. “We know residents have seen a lot of ups and downs with the ethanol plants, but we continue to run these plants at capacity. We have full employment and we want to be an important part of the community."

63 workers are employed full-time at the plant. Company executives said the need for alternative fuels has led to job security.

"The demand for products made here in Linden is going to be steady,” added Day. “We are very optimistic about this plant's future and the rest of our plants."

The corn used at the plant comes from area farms. Day says the company is on the books to buy 42 million bushels of corn annually. Senior Vice President Jim Gillingham said the sale almost did not happen though. He said it took two tries.

"In the first round we were unable to persuade the banks to turn loose of it at the price we wanted to pay,” said Gillingham. “In a second round the banks were more willing to take a discount."

"A drawback, if there is one to the opening of the plant, is the added traffic. Semis come into the plant on a regular basis plus, 80 car unit trains pull out once a week. Those units take the finished product to their final destination."

Plant manager Rob Malnight says he has talked to Linden local residents. He says they will put up with extra traffic, as long as they see steam continuing to billow from a working plant.