Biorefinery Demonstration Plant Begins Operations

Cutting the ribbon on the new Diamond Alternative Energy biorefinery demonstration plant in Thomaston are Robert Buchek, Manager of Valero Energy Corporation, Thomaston-Upson Industrial Development Authority Chair Neil Hightower, and Theodora Retsina, President of American Process Energy Recovery, Inc., operator of the plant. Also taking part in the ceremony were local government officials and business people. Photo by Ashley Biles editorial3@thomastontimes.com

February 23, 2010, will be marked as a red-letter day for the Thomaston-Upson County community. On Tuesday, Diamond Alternative Energy (owner) and American Process Energy Recovery (operator) began operation at the biorefinery demonstration plant, located out Highway 36 in the old Crown building. The Thomaston-Upson Industrial Development Authority held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the event.

It was announced in a press release by the Governor's office just before Christmas that Thomaston would be home to the new plant which represents the creation of 25-30 jobs in Thomaston and Atlanta.

"The facility is a demonstration plant which will be used to prove that you can make second generation bio fuels," said Theodora Retsina, President of American Process Inc. (API), at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

API stated in the press release that the plant will demonstrate that cellulosic biorefineries are feasible and economically viable on a scale that will allow rapid commercial replication.

Local business men and women, along with government officials, were present to join in the celebration of the new industry.

Thomaston Mayor Hays Arnold spoke Tuesday, welcoming the company to as a customer to the community.

"We thank you for being here and for being taxpayers. We appreciate your contribution to the community," said Arnold.

Upson County Commission Chairman, Maurice Raines also addressed the crowd at the ceremony.

“I would just like to say that I am proud that you chose this community and how fast this happened. We are looking for great things to happen from this day forward. This is a great day."

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