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Berkshire Biodiesel Outlines Future Plans at Business SaluteBy Jen Thomas - August 16, 2007
WILLIAMSTOWN - With plans to break ground at Ashuelot Park in Dalton and Pittsfield by the end of the year, Berkshire Biodiesel LLC is continuing to move forward in constructing its $65 million plant.
In their keynote speech at the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce's "Good News Business Salute" breakfast Wednesday morning, Berkshire Biodiesel President and CEO Garth Klimchuk and Executive Vice President Lee Harrison revealed the details of their operation and the subsequent benefits to Berkshire County.
"This project is going to be in the local market and will allow us to have positive effects," said Klimchuk. "I hope the Berkshires will get its arms around biodiesel and support us."
In May, Berkshire Biodiesel, a subsidiary of New York-based Northwinds Biodiesel LLC, announced that it would begin construction at the industrial park this month, but because of an unexpectedly long permitting process, Klimchuk said the company was unable to do so.
"We hope to be producing at the facility by the end of 2008. We're moving as quickly as we can to get this product in the marketplace," he said.
Biodiesel is the result of a process that combines organically-derived oils with alcohol to create a renewable, environmentally-friendly fuel. Berkshire Biodiesel would use the 50 million gallons per year it intends to produce for use in diesel and vehicular marketing, heating oil and power markets.
According to Harrison, biodiesel cuts greenhouse gas emissions in half, reduces the release of sulfur and nitric oxide and makes the air cleaner. As a way to reduce reliance on foreign oil with no byproducts or waste products, biodiesel has the potential to be a huge money-maker in the Northeast.
"It's part of the solution. It's no silver bullet. I like to call it ‘silver buckshot’ and we're one of the pellets," said Harrison.
The company plans to build two large manufacturing bays and offices on eight acres of land at the Pittsfield/Dalton site, as well as an additional seven acres allotted for construction of a rail line that will transport materials to the plant. The construction phase will employ approximately 100 and the plant itself will create nearly 30 permanent jobs.
Additionally, Klimchuk said about 80 percent of the plant construction team is Berkshire-based, including Barr and Barr Builders of Williamstown and Foresight Land Services of Pittsfield.
Klimchuk cited attractive sites, strong support, a talented local work force and proximity to markets as catalysts for locating the facility in the Berkshires.
"Everywhere we turn from this site, we have a market, we have a buyer," he said.
Good News
The business salute, sponsored by General Dynamics, also recognized several area businesses for their continued commitment to quality service and the community.
North Adams City Councilor and MountainOne Financial Partners Vice President Richard J. Alcombright was the master of ceremonies at the event and honored Greylock Insurance Agency, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition and Williams College.
The final salute went to recently retired Berkshire Visitors Bureau President and CEO William R. Wilson.
“Life is good,” said Alcombright to sum up the day’s festivities.
Jen Thomas may be reached at jthomas@iberkshires.com or at (413) 663-3384, Ext. 23.
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