Biodiesel Industries Inc., DaimlerChrysler and NextEnergy Announce Detroit Groundbreaking for New Biodiesel Plant

DETROIT--Biodiesel Industries Inc., NextEnergy and DaimlerChrysler today celebrated the ground-breaking for Biodiesel Industries’ newest facility at 250 E. Baltimore Avenue in Detroit. The new plant will emphasize biodiesel research, development, and production.

“This pioneering project brings together a diverse group of major industry players, such as NextEnergy and DaimlerChrysler, for the common goal of biodiesel advancement and implementation. We’re delighted to be part of the core group involved in this innovative venture,” said Russell Teall, President and Founder of Biodiesel Industries. “Our new facility will have the capacity to produce 10 million gallons per year of biodiesel using a full spectrum of feedstocks, including crude, refined and recycled vegetable oils and animal fats.”

The facility will be the sixth such production project completed by Biodiesel Industries. “Detroit is the perfect location for us to build our newest facility. This is the center of the automotive universe, and that is where we need to be. Coupled with the involvement of NextEnergy, DaimlerChrysler and other major automotive manufacturers and suppliers, we look forward to working together to set the standards for biodiesel production and use,” explained JJ Rothgery, Biodiesel Industries’ Chairman of the Board. “It is our pleasure to announce this project as part of National Transportation Week.”

Biodiesel Industries uses its own patented and proprietary production technology that can produce quality biodiesel from the widest variety of feedstocks. Quality control systems are built into process control automation for the plant, ensuring that the biodiesel produced meets stringent U.S. and global standards.

“Biodiesel Industries has many years of advanced development and production experience in the otherwise young biodiesel industry. Given the tremendous national market demand for their product, we are delighted that Biodiesel Industries has chosen Detroit for their next biodiesel production facility,” said James Croce, Chief Executive Officer of the NextEnergy Center.

Research and development will also extend into the development of agricultural resources utilizing brownfield sites managed by DaimlerChrysler. The use of new and innovative biodiesel feedstocks will be part of this research. “As biodiesel demand increases there will be a need for new resources that can be grown in America by American farmers,” according to Michael Cassady, Biodiesel Industries’ Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “DaimlerChrysler has led the way in the use of biodiesel in diesel vehicles by being the first automotive manufacturer to deliver their vehicles to their customers with a blend of biodiesel as the original fuel. Soon it will be possible to have that biodiesel made in Michigan from resources grown here.”

DaimlerChrysler has promoted the use of biodiesel fuel nationally with the launch of the Jeep® Grand Cherokee CRD diesel, Dodge Ram Cummins Diesel pickup, and Mercedes E320. To support the research programs at NextEnergy, DaimlerChrysler will commit currently unused land at a former SuperFund environmental site for use in producing soybeans, and perhaps other oil-bearing crops, for use in NextEnergy research programs.

“DaimlerChrysler is excited to be partnering with NextEnergy and Biodiesel Industries in this important research that will not only help diversify Michigan’s economy, but also strengthen the U.S. economy by reducing our reliance on oil,” said Deborah Morrissett, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at DaimlerChrysler.

For more information about biodiesel see www.biodieselindustries.com.