Press release posted Nov. 17, 2009, at 3:13 p.m. CST

Glacial Lakes Energy LLC announced the expansion of its Mina ethanol operations today. The project involves construction of a 6,000 bushel-per-hour corn dryer, a 320,000-bushel increase in on-site storage capacity, and addition of another receiving pit.

"I'm absolutely delighted to see an agricultural-based company expanding in these challenging economic times," said Gov. Mike Rounds. "It is always positive when we can add significant value to commodities already being produced in South Dakota."

The Mina ethanol plant currently can accept corn with a moisture content of 16.5 percent. After the dryers are installed, that figure will increase to 25 percent.

"The addition of the dryer will expand our marketing opportunities with local producers," said Jim Seurer, Glacial Lakes CEO. "The high moisture levels and wet harvest this year have somewhat limited the corn we can take at our facility. These dryers will allow us to provide a value-added service to our members and patrons."

Electrical, gas and ground improvements are under way. The expansion, which is expected to be complete in four to six months with favorable weather, will cost about $2.75 million. It was partially financed through the South Dakota Governor's Office of Economic Development.

"Glacial Lakes Corn Processors appreciates the assistance that Gov. Rounds and his staff provided to help us secure this project," Seurer said. "The expansion will not only be a benefit to area producers, but also to the agricultural community."

Glacial Lakes Corn Processors is the largest cooperatively owned ethanol facility in the United States, with more than 4,200 members. It is based in Watertown, S.D., and operates 100-million-gallon per year ethanol plants in both Watertown and Mina through its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Glacial Lakes Energy also has ownership in Granite Falls Energy and Redfield Energy. GLE Mina became operational in 2008.

SOURCE: SOUTH DAKOTA GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT