GEISMAR, La., July 15, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The new Dynamic Fuels plant that will produce high quality renewable fuels from animal fats and greases is mechanically complete, and work is now underway to prepare for the start of operations, company officials reported today.
The prime contractor on the project in Geismar, Louisiana, achieved mechanical completion on July 9th and turned the entire plant over to Dynamic Fuels LLC, a joint venture of Tyson Foods (NYSE:TSN) and Syntroleum Corporation (Nasdaq:SYNM).
"Punch list" items will continue to be addressed by construction and maintenance personnel as the commissioning and start-up of the plant proceed. The first shipments of animal fats have been delivered to the facility.
"The commissioning activities we have in progress include flushing of all lines, verifying operation of the control system and installation of catalysts and absorbents," said Jeff Bigger, director of the Dynamic Fuels Management Committee. "We currently expect to begin making fuel and ramping up production rates during the third quarter of 2010."
The new facility is designed to convert fats, greases and oils supplied by Tyson Foods into as much as 75 million gallons of renewable fuels per year.
"We're pleased with customer interest in our fuel and the sales arrangements we've made so far," according to Bob Ames, vice president of Renewable Energy for Tyson Foods. "We're anxious to begin producing and selling our renewable fuel products, which have measurable performance and environmental advantages over conventional petroleum-based fuels."
Dynamic Fuels has filled 44 permanent full-time positions on site and currently maintains 13 full-time start-up support personnel.
About Syntroleum
Syntroleum Corporation owns the Syntroleum(R) Process for Fischer-Tropsch (FT) conversion of synthesis gas derived from biomass, coal, natural gas and other carbon-based feedstocks into liquid hydrocarbons, the Synfining(R) Process for upgrading FT liquid hydrocarbons into middle distillate products such as synthetic diesel and jet fuels, and the Bio-Synfining(TM) technology for converting animal fat and vegetable oil feedstocks into middle distillate products such as renewable diesel and jet fuel using inedible fats and greases as feedstock. The 50/50 venture -- known as Dynamic Fuels -- was formed to construct and operate multiple renewable synthetic fuels facilities, with production on the first site beginning in 2010. The Company plans to use its portfolio of technologies to develop and participate in synthetic and renewable fuel projects. For additional information, visit the Company's web site at www.syntroleum.com/" target="_top" rel="nofollow">www.syntroleum.com
About Tyson Foods, Inc.
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN), founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world's largest processors and marketers of chicken, beef and pork, the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products and is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves. Tyson provides products and services to customers throughout the United States and more than 90 countries. The company has approximately 117,000 Team Members employed at more than 400 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.
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Forward Looking Statements
This release includes forward-looking statements as well as historical information. These forward-looking statements may include statements relating to expectations of management of future performance relating to anticipated volume and qualities of products described therein. Historical performance is not an indication of, nor does it guarantee, future results. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: consumer demand and perceptions; availability and cost of raw materials, equipment, and utilities; changes in laws or regulations; the company's ability to compete in products and prices in a competitive industry; and the company's ability to produce products in certain volumes and with various qualities, including those related to performance.