News Release
Sharon Ethanol, LLC
CONTACTS: Jeffrey P. Knight, Director – 262-472-8944
105-MILLION GALLON ETHANOL PLANT PROPOSED BY
GLOBAL RENEWABLE LLC
Partners include former Gov. Tommy G. Thompson
38 million bushels of corn will be required each year,
55 new full-time jobs will be created
VILLAGE OF SHARON, Wis. - Global Renewable, LLC, a Whitewater, Wis. company, today unveiled plans to construct and operate a $195-million plant that is expected to produce 105-120 million gallons of ethanol per year. The proposed 191-acre site is located in the Town of Sharon and will require annexation to the Village of Sharon. The plant is expected to be operational in October, 2008, and will require approximately 38 million bushels of corn annually. It will create 55 new full-time jobs and more than 200 temporary jobs. Local preference will be given for corn purchasing and jobs.
Global Renewable, LLC is a partnership that includes former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy G. Thompson, who serves as chairman of the board. The other partners are Jeffery P. Knight, who headed the Governor’s Ethanol Coalition under Gov. Thompson, and businessman Tom Weickardt.
Mr. Knight, director of Global Renewable, has had preliminary discussions with Village of Sharon officials and is pleased with the pro-business attitude of the community.
“Sharon is a perfect location and this is an exciting time for ethanol,” Mr. Knight said. “We look forward to making our application with the village, proceeding through its approval process and receiving public input about the project.”
Sharon Ethanol LLC, as the plant is to be called, is expected to pay more than $700,000 in annual property taxes. The site is west of the Village; served by State Hwy. 67 and Union Pacific Rail. Corn will be delivered to the site by truck and all ethanol will be shipped out by rail.
According to Mr. Knight, Walworth County farmers will benefit from an estimated price increase of 16 cents per bushel of corn and from the availability of dried distillers grains to feed their livestock. Local farmers will save on transportation costs for corn and feed. New permanent ethanol plant jobs and temporary construction jobs will enhance the vitality of the local housing market and the business community.
At the press conference held today, former Gov. Thompson talked about his historic commitment to economic development, support of farming and leadership in alternative fuels.
“I am proud to be a part of this wonderful opportunity for the Village of Sharon and Walworth County,” Thompson said. “The proposed plant is good for Wisconsin and another example of our state’s longstanding leadership in alternative fuels.”
A public information meeting will be held for all interested citizens. Global Renewable will announce further details about the meeting soon. Information binders addressing the proposal’s key issues will be made available at local public libraries.
“We want people to understand our proposal and have opportunities to ask questions,” said Mr. Knight. “We plan to be a vital member of the community and that starts with inviting public input.”
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Group photo at the Sharon press announcement of the 108-gallon ethanol plant to be built in Sharon, WI.
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Walworth County Economic Development Alliance, Inc.
Media Release
Sharon Ethanol, LLC
CONTACTS: Fred D. Burkhardt, Executive Vice President– 262-741-8528
Sharon Ethanol Plant Will Generate Significant Economic Impact.
Walworth County Economic Development Alliance, Inc.
Elkhorn, WI ( November 22, 2006) “An economic impact analysis of Global Renewable’s proposed ethanol plant in Sharon indicates that the gross economic impact of the facility would exceed $98 million in its first year and over $100 million by year three” says Fred Burkhardt, Executive Vice President of the Walworth County Economic Development Alliance, Inc.
The proposed production facility is expected to require a $195 million capital investment and an undisclosed amount for the land. Employment estimates would run as high as 55 when the plant is operational with an additional number of jobs being generated from the construction.
Announcement of the project comes following several months of discussion between the Village of Sharon, land owners, WCEDA, the Dept of Commerce and others. Jerry Waelti, President of WCEDA, says: “This is the kind of a project for which WCEDA was designed. It is environmentally friendly and produces a product that supports a health environment, good paying jobs and agriculture. This is a good project.”
Locating the facility in the Village of Sharon is also a plus. The Village has been active, in the last year, working on several large projects. Burkhardt: “The Village of Sharon is a good site for this facility. Its location, access to rail and forward thinking Village government is a real plus. The Village Board and staff have earned this success story. The statesmanlike process and consideration given this project speaks well for the community. I am sure that the announcement of this plant will cause a number of other companies to give consideration to Sharon. WCEDA is proud to have been part of this process.”
WCEDA and the Village of Sharon work under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). WCEDA provides the Village with business retention, expansion and recruitment services. Under the terms of the MOU, WCEDA also provides economic impact analysis of projects and general economic development consultation to the Village Board of Trustees.
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