The Andersons mulls ethanol plant

2/17/2005

The Andersons Inc. said yesterday it is considering the 77-acre site of its Albion, Mich., grain operation as a possible location for an ethanol plant.

The site in Calhoun County's rural Sheridan Township is one of several locations being considered for a 50-million-gallon-a-year ethanol plant, the company said. A decision will be announced this year, it said in a statement.

Company officials did not return calls seeking comment about the expected cost of the project, other locations being considered, or the number of jobs the plant would create. Ethanol is a bio-fuel made from corn and used in gasoline.

Great Lakes Ethanol LLC also is trying to build a 50-million-gallon-a-year ethanol plant.

That plant in Riga Township would cost $80 million and employ 60 people, but the project's future hinges on whether voters support a township-approved zoning permit in a referendum Tuesday.

The Andersons is working with Sheridan Township officials as well as federal, state, and local agencies, it said.