URBANDALE, Iowa - A new distribution center for biodiesel, ethanol and ultra-low sulfur diesel is opening in eastern Iowa. Biodiesel is the renewable fuel made from soybeans, and ethanol from corn. The distribution center, or loading facility, will make it easier for fuel distributors to offer renewable fuels to their customers.

“We are building this plant to ensure that we are prepared for the future,” says Tom Flogel, vice president of Mulgew Oil. “Both the volume and number of customers using renewable fuels has grown rapidly and doesn’t seem to be slowing down. John Deere has proved to be a great patron because they are currently using soy biodiesel to factory fill equipment coming off the lines.”

An open house will be held on Tuesday, May 23rd from 10 am until 6 pm at the center. WHO radio’s “The Big Show” will be broadcasting live from the event from 10 am to 1 pm. Hosts of the event are: Mulgrew Oil, Iowa Renewable Fuel Association (IRFA), and Iowa Soybean Association (ISA). Attendees will enjoy refreshments, tours and a display of various John Deere equipment.

Funding for this project has been provided by ISA, National Clean Cities, Inc. (NCC) and IRFA through the Iowa Values Fund. During the open house, IRFA will present Mulgrew Oil with a Values Fund check for $25,000. Mulgrew Oil is one of only two biodiesel distributors to receive a Values Fund Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Grant this year.

“The IRFA is excited to present Mulgrew Oil with a $25,000 grant from the Iowa Values Fund Renewable Fuels Infrastructure program,” says Lucy Norton, managing director of the IRFA. “By including biodiesel blending capabilities, this one new tank farm will bring the biodiesel option to dozens and dozens of gasoline stations and bulk users. The demand for biodiesel is growing rapidly and Iowa needs more companies to be leaders like Mulgrew Oil.”

West Central Soy is the sole provider of soy biodiesel to the Mulgrew facility. ISA will also present a $25,000 check to West Central to help offset the installation costs of the biodiesel storage facility. Expanding soy biodiesel availability is a key goal of Iowa farmers.

“We are excited to see this terminal begin to handle soy biodiesel,” says Kirk Leeds, chief executive officer of ISA. “Soybean farmer’s understand the biggest remaining obstacle to widespread use of soy biodiesel is increased availability, and the Dubuque terminal will be an important step forward in expanding availability. Based on our market research, we know that diesel users want to use soy biodiesel. This becomes easier because of this infrastructure investment.”

The center is located in Dubuque, at Tamarack Business Park, 10314 Silverwood Drive.