Paseo Biofuels to expand Paseo biodiesel plant in US

Paseo Biofuels, the Missouri Soybean Association (MSA) and Cargill will jointly expand the Paseo biodiesel plant in Kansas City, Missouri to increase production capacity by 40%.

The facility annually produces 40 million gallons of biodiesel and 30 million pounds of food-grade glycerin made from soybean oil.

To be completed by March 2013, enhanced production at the expanded plant is expected to meet rising biodiesel demand.

Missouri Soybean Association executive director and CEO Dale Ludwig said, "The business model has been ideal. Co-locating the biodiesel plant next to a soybean crushing facility reduces cost, saves time and money while working with three great partners."

Director of Agriculture Dr Jon Hagler further commented, "It is outstanding to see this facility build new markets for our farmers and farm families as well, through investments from Cargill and the Missouri Soybean Association."

Governor Nixon also stated that the partnership is expanding markets for farmers while making renewable energy more accessible.

Cargill Grain and Oilseed Supply Chain North America business unit leader Mark Stonacek added, "Our partnership with Paseo has gone very well over last four years. Together, we have built an excellent operation that serves many of the major petroleum retailers in the U.S."

The Paseo biodiesel plant near Paseo Bridge in Kansas City is a joint venture between Paseo Biofuels and Cargill. An equity drive that began in 2006 resulted in the facility, when over 650 Missourian agricultural producers purchased shares in Paseo Biofuels.