Alliance Bio-Products gains USDA approval to buy Ineos Bio plant – Alliance Bio Products USDA - Arhive

Alliance Bio-Products Inc. has received approval from the USDA to purchase an existing cellulosic ethanol plant in Vero Beach, Florida.

The purchase includes the 8 MMgy plant, about 143 acres and the equipment and vehicles from the previous plant, which was owned by IneosBio. The plant was built in 2012, but IneosBio idled it in 2015 and put it up for sale, citing production challenges. The new plant will use the existing fermentation and distillation system. Alliance Bio-Products plans to expand at the site as production increases.

Alliance Bio-Products will convert the plant to support its cellulose-to-sugar process, using trash, yard clippings, agricultural waste and other materials through an agreement with the Indian River County landfill.

“We have long had the most innovative technology on the market in regards to biofuel production, but did not have the means to fully utilize its potential until now,” said Ben Slager, chief technology officer for Alliance Bio-Products, in a statement. “Combining our industry-leading technology with a plant of this capacity will allow us to meet the growing needs of the market.”

The company said the new plant will create 100 job opportunities, with more upon expansion