Continental Refining Company to keep soybean processing plant idled post-fire
In Kentucky, Continental Refining Company (CRC) will keep its soybean processing plant idled for the season as it evaluates options to repair and restart the facility following a July fire. Meanwhile, CRC’s biodiesel production and fuel terminal operations continue without interruption, with a major expansion underway that will double biodiesel production capacity.
The July 5 fire occurred while the soybean operation was idled and caused significant damage to the soybean processing portion of CRC’s 77-acre agricultural and petroleum industrial complex in Somerset. The soybean plant has remained offline since the incident.
CRC continues to evaluate the feasibility of repairing and restarting the soybean plant and is considering alternatives for the future of the operation. While that process continues, the company is seeking a regional partner to operate its grain elevator.
CRC’s biodiesel production and fuel terminal operations were not affected by the fire and have remained fully operational.
Building on continued growth in its biodiesel business, CRC began a capital expansion of its biodiesel production facility in August. The project is expected to be completed by November 15 and will double the facility’s production capacity. The company is also in the process of adding a rail spur connecting the facility to the Norfolk Southern main line, enabling it to receive and ship biofuel nationwide.
The investment comes as CRC continues to experience double-digit growth in its biodiesel business and expands both its product offerings and regional reach.
In September, CRC introduced P51, a higher-blend biodiesel product that has seen strong early success in the region. P51 has been tested for several years in the equipment fleet of White Oil Company, a CRC affiliate, providing extensive real-world performance experience before the product was introduced to the broader market.
Category: Fuels
