Sioux Falls, SD - The Broin Companies announce its serious consideration of Leipsic, Ohio, for development and construction of Summit Ethanol, LLC, a 60 million gallon per year (MGPY) ethanol production facility expandable to 120 MGPY. The $90 million project would utilize 21 million bushels of corn and produce 178,000 tons of premium Dakota Gold Enhanced Nutrition Distillers Products™.

"Leipsic is currently the lead contender for this project; however, other sites are also being reviewed and considered," said Jeff Broin, CEO of the Broin Companies. "This potential site and community are very favorable for a Broin ethanol production facility, and we look forward to continuing the evaluation process and working with community leaders, area utility representatives, and Putnam County officials."

If plans move forward, this project will be the 28th ethanol plant built by the Broin Companies, who will provide turnkey development, design, engineering, construction, management, and marketing services for the project. Although no specific timetable has been officially determined, construction could start as early as fall 2006.

"We are very interested in attracting this world-class ethanol facility to be a member of our community," said Martin Kuhlman, Director of Putnam County Community Improvement Corporation. "The Broin Companies have the most advanced ethanol production technology and a very solid track record of success. I would also like to thank everyone who has pulled together, including Jim Russell, Village Administrator, Judy Cowan, the Governor’s Regional Representative, and many others for all of their efforts on this proposed project."

The plant would help improve the local corn basis while providing an environmentally friendly fuel and premium Dakota Gold Enhanced Nutrition Distillers Products™ for regional, national, and international markets. The plant would employ 40 full-time employees with an annual payroll of approximately $1.8 million.