Sioux Falls, SD - The Broin Companies today announced plans for development and construction of Premier Ethanol, LLC near Portland, Indiana. The 120 million gallon per year (MGPY) project will be constructed in two phases with the first phase of 60 MGPY in production capacity. When both phases are complete, the project will utilize 42 million bushels of corn and produce 356,000 tons of premium Dakota Gold Enhanced Nutrition Distillers Products™.

Site development activities are moving forward at a brisk pace. Upon completion of the final due diligence, construction is planned to begin in June 2006 with completion projected for summer 2007.

Broin Companies and the Jay County Economic Development Corporation have been working together along with city and county officials on development activities and have made significant progress on the proposed ethanol facility project.

"Selection of Portland, Indiana, comes on the heels of a successful evaluation process including local economic development officials, community leaders, and staff from the Broin Companies," said Jeff Broin, CEO of the Broin Companies. "This is a remarkable economic opportunity for the region and we look forward to Premier Ethanol being a valuable business and community member in Portland."

"We are very pleased that Broin Companies has selected Portland/Jay County for one of their projects," said Bob Quadrozzi, Executive Director of Jay County Development Corporation. "They are a leader in the ethanol industry, and a project of this significance will have a major impact on the area--adding well-paying jobs and a new market for the area’s corn producers."

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 approximately 40 full-time employees with an annual payroll of approximately $1.8 million.