Ethanol plant running at full steam

JANESVILLE — Steam from smoke stacks east of Janesville is a sight for the sore eyes of many corn growers in the area. The Guardian Energy ethanol plant is up and running smoothly and the facility’s new CEO said the Janesville plant is now running at full staff.

Don Gales said Friday that the plant began grinding corn on the first of November.

Though he couldn’t disclose how much corn the plant has taken in, he did say that they are running through more than 100,000 bushels a day.

Aside from the “usual startup issues like a loose wire here or there, the plant is running well,” Gales said.

“We’re pretty well staffed. We made some key hires last week and the management staff is filled,” he said.

In all the plant will employ 52 to 55 in areas from maintenance to management.

Throughout the process, Gales stressed, the support he has seen from local corn growers has made all the difference.

“We really appreciate the farmers’ support,” he said.
Dales, a native of eastern South Dakota, is now in his third week at the plant.

With job experience at Watonwan Farm Services and ADM as well as a wife who is an agricultural banker, Gales said the Guardian Energy group is the right place for him.

“We’re very attached to Minnesota agriculture,” he said. “I’ve spent all my life in agriculture.”

Gales said he already has new contracts on next year’s new crop, and he invites corn growers in the area to stop by and get to know the new staff at the plant.

source: wasecacountynews