Lee Enterprises has added Michael Heinemann as a biodiesel plant oversight and management expert to its group of consultants. Heinemann has a bachelor’s degree in economics and business administration from the University of New Mexico, in addition to 13 years of management experience in the biofuels and alternative energy industry, most recently as general manager with the Texas-based biodiesel plant Beacon Energy.

Prior to his work in biodiesel plants, Heinemann worked for Griffin Industries in its rendering operations.  He is well-versed in quality control measures, product flow, raw material procurement, plant operations and financial oversight, personnel evaluation and plant safety.

“Mike has been in the biodiesel and feedstock procurement field for many years, and understands biodiesel plant operations from a manager’s perspective,” said Wayne Lee, CEO of Lee Enterprises Consulting. “We get lots of requests from plants to evaluate operations, assist in training new staff, and getting them up and running smoothly. We have formal start up teams and procedures, and Mike adds another experienced team member available for these engagements.”  

Heinemann noted that starting or restarting biodiesel facilities will always be a primary function of the group, adding that there are also many operating facilities and their investors that need a third party to assure operations are as profitable and efficient as possible.