Blackhawk Biofuels, LLC Who We Are
Who We Are
Blackhawk Biofuels was founded by local business people interested in the twofold benefits of developing a biodiesel plant in Stephenson County, Illinois. First, they are dedicated to renewable fuels that reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil. Second, they seek the economic benefits this new manufacturing facility will offer the local area and region.
Front row (l. to r.): Dennis Hamilton, Stockton, IL; Quentin Davis, Forreston, IL, Secretary;Jon Rosenstiel, Pearl City, IL, Vice Chairman; Ron Mapes, Stockton, IL, Chairman; Ron Fluegel, Lena, IL, Treasurer; Criss Davis, Shullsburg, WI.Back row (l. to r.): Terry Sweitzer, Lanark, IL; Gary Bocker, Polo, IL; David Shockey, Ridott, IL; Marvin Wurster, Stockton, IL; Karl Lawfer, Kent, IL; Dennis Wilke, Durand, IL; Brad Smith, Milledgeville, IL.
Biodiesel Plant Planned for Stephenson County, Illinois
Blackhawk Biofuels, LLC intends to build a 30 million gallon per year biodiesel plant in Stephenson County, Illinois, just east of Freeport. Soybean oil, other vegetable oils, and animal fat will be converted into clean burning biodiesel.
Fastest Growing Renewable Fuel
In 1999, just 500,000 gallons of biodiesel were manufactured in the United States. By 2005, 75 million gallons were produced domestically. The National Biodiesel Board estimates 150 million gallons will be produced in 2006 – just 0.12 percent of the U.S. diesel fuel market!
Location for Procurement and Marketing
Blackhawk Biofuels’ location in northern Illinois provides an advantage for feedstock procurement with several soybean crush facilities nearby. Additionally, being located near Chicago, the country’s third largest city in the second largest county, provides a readily accessible market for biodiesel produced by Blackhawk Biofuels.
Total cost for the Blackhawk Biofuels project as proposed is estimated at $62,000,000 with half expected to come from local investment and the balance through debt financing.
Blackhawk Biofuels intends to employ 30 people with an annual payroll of $1.5 million. This does not include economic activity generated by construction.
