Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. reported "first grind" on November 9, 2008, at its ethanol plant near Obion, Tennessee.

Following first grind, the plant goes into a start-up phase where systems are tested, calibrated and commissioned. The Obion facility, which is expected to be fully operational by the end of November, is projected to produce an annual operating output of 110 million gallons of ethanol and 350,000 tons of distillers grains. The facility is Green Plains' fourth ethanol plant, bringing total expected annual ethanol production capacity to 330 million gallons.

"With this milestone, now all of Green Plains' production facilities are fully operational," said Wayne Hoovestol, Chief Executive Officer. "Moving forward, Green Plains can concentrate its focus on optimizing our operations and adding value to our products."

"The Obion ethanol plant was strategically sited because of availability of corn locally and access to the Mississippi River transportation corridor," said Todd Becker, President and Chief Operating Officer. "We are very proud of this state-of-the-art facility, which offers significant opportunities for ethanol marketing in the Southeast. Additionally, this facility allows Green Plains to diversify geographically from its three other plants."

"We are pleased to have a talented group of employees to operate this facility," added Becker. "We sincerely appreciate the high level of cooperation and assistance that we received from local officials and community leaders. We look forward to working with producers in the Obion area and being an important contributor to the local economy."

Tags: Green Plains Renewable Energy