Biomass Pellet Maker Breaks Ground on $229M Facility

Highland Pellets LLC held a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday for its $229 million wood pellet facility in Pine Bluff, AR, multiple news organizations reported Friday.

Arkansas state Governor Asa Hutchinson was on hand to mark the opening of the manufacturing site, which will produce about 600,000 mt of wood pellets for bioenergy uses per year. 68 workers will be employed at the site, reports said. About 1000 indirect jobs will be created as a result of the plant’s opening.

“This plant began with a simple economic goal, but has evolved into not just producing sustainable fuel, but producing sustainable outcomes for our employees, our community, and our environment,” said Tom Reilley, the company’s chairman and co-founder, in a statement, according to Arkansas Business.

The wood pellets produced at the Pine Bluff facility will be exported as a sustainably-sourced feedstock for European industrial utilities. Arkansas Business’s report noted the demand for wood pellets exported from America has grown from 1.6 million tons in 2012 to 3.2 million tons in 2013.

“Highland Pellets’ leadership is passionate about this new facility and the impact that it will have on Jefferson County’s economy,” said Hutchinson, according to the news outlet’s article. “They are determined to have a lasting effect not only on their employees, but also the entire community.”

Click here for information about the Powder & Bulk Solids Montreal Showcase

For related articles, news, and equipment reviews, visit our Equipment Zones