FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Lucy Norton, Managing Director, 515-225-9242
Monte Shaw, Executive Director, 515-225-9242

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Horizon Ethanol, LLC Begins Production at Iowa Facility

    JOHNSTON, Iowa - Mar 03, 2006 - The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) today congratulated Horizon Ethanol, LLC for beginning production at its ethanol refinery near Jewell, Iowa. The facility will process 21 million bushels of corn into 60 million gallons of ethanol and 178,000 tons of distillers grains annually. The refinery is expected to employ approximately 40 people with an annual payroll of $1.8 million.

“We are proud to welcome Horizon Ethanol, LLC to the Iowa ethanol family,” said Monte Shaw, IRFA Executive Director. “Iowa is the leader in ethanol production and advanced ethanol refinery technology. Horizon Ethanol is the embodiment of this leadership spirit.”

Horizon Ethanol will be the 22nd ethanol refinery built by the Broin Companies, who provides turnkey development, design, engineering, construction, management, and marketing services for the ethanol industry.

“The Broin Companies are excited to bring this world-class facility to Jewell,” said Jeff Broin, Broin Companies CEO. “This technologically-advanced, value-added agricultural business will be a catalyst for millions of dollars in new economic growth for the region.”

Iowa is the leader is renewable fuels production. Currently, Iowa has 22 ethanol refineries with the capacity to produce nearly 1.3 billion gallons annually. There are 6 ethanol refineries and a major expansion under construction with a combined annual capacity of over 500 million gallons. In addition, Iowa has 6 biodiesel refineries with a combined annual capacity of over 100 million gallons either in operation or under construction. Many additional renewable fuels projects are under development.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association was formed in 2002 to represent the state’s ethanol and biodiesel producers. The trade group fosters the development and growth of the renewable fuels industry in Iowa through education, promotion, legislation and infrastructure development.