Biodiesel producer Lake Erie Biofuels LLC, doing business as Hero BX, recently announced a strategic partnership with Iowa Renewable Energy LLC based in Washington, Iowa, to manufacture and market biodiesel from IRE’s Iowa facility.

“It has been my ambition to expand the biodiesel expertise harvested from our flagship plant in Erie, Pennsylvania, nationwide much like has already happened in Alabama and in New Hampshire,” said Hero BX founder and CEO Samuel P. “Pat” Black III. “Now we will call Iowa our newest home. Accomplishing this milestone alongside IRE, a company that shares our commitment to quality, corporate culture and core values is key to achieving our joint vision. To be operating in Iowa—America’s epicenter for renewable energy—allows Hero BX to operate together with some of the pioneers who helped build this great industry.”

With more than a decade of successful biodiesel production and marketing expertise behind it, Hero BX will apply its established business model to help capitalize on the new venture.

“We have a simple recipe that has earned Hero BX a stellar reputation in the biodiesel industry,” said Chris Peterson, president of Hero BX. “That recipe is driven from our core values of integrity, quality and safety, and will remain in place in Iowa.”

“Iowa Renewable Energy is thrilled to be partnering with Hero BX and joining its growing national network of biodiesel supply and distribution,” said Ron Lutovsky, IRE’s chief operating officer.  “Hero’s core values, along with its operations and management team, are a great fit with our team at IRE.  We will be working closely together to make both companies’ operations more efficient and dynamic.” 

Iowa Renewable Energy, founded in 2005, owns and operates a 30 MMgy biodiesel refinery.

Also founded in 2005, Hero BX is headquartered in Erie, Pennsylvania, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Black Family Holdings LP. With annual biodiesel production and distribution of 100 million gallons from Erie, Pennsylvania, Moundville, Alabama, and Washington, Iowa, and a Bioheat blending terminal in North Hampton, New Hampshire, Hero BX is a national leader in biodiesel refining and distribution.