Palmetto Renewable Energy Completes Manufacturing Plant in Allendale County
July 29, 2008
Energy Company to Bring New Jobs to the Allendale Area
COLUMBIA, S.C. – July 28, 2008 – The South Carolina Department of Commerce and the SouthernCarolina Alliance today announced that Palmetto Renewable Energy has completed a biomass fuel pellet plant in Allendale, South Carolina. The $1.5 million investment is expected to bring 12 new jobs to the area.
“This new facility will help us meet our customers’ needs and allow us to continually expand our operations,” said Mark Vaughn, co-owner of Palmetto Renewable Energy. “We are pleased to have our plant in Allendale County and appreciate all the support we have received and look forward to being a part of the business community in South Carolina.”
Palmetto Renewable Energy will manufacture wood pellets for biomass energy and wood shavings for equine bedding. The company will later add algae production for cellulosic ethanol, which represents a further source of renewable energy. The slated five million gallon per year cellulosic ethanol plant will add another $5.5 million investment into the existing site, adding another 22 jobs for construction and operation.
“Palmetto Renewable Energy seeks to capitalize on the new energy technologies and developing sources of renewable fuels. The company’s decision to locate its plant in South Carolina speaks to the strength of our workforce, the state’s business-friendly climate and the innovative manufacturing taking place here. Thanks to the team effort of state and local officials, this investment will positively impact Allendale County,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.
We welcome Palmetto Renewable Fuels to the SouthernCarolina region’s growing cluster of alternative energy industries,” said Danny Black, president of the SouthernCarolina Alliance. “This company is an excellent example of the diversification and expansion opportunities for both existing and new industries in our area. We congratulate Brabham Oil and Palmetto Renewable Fuels for their innovation and entrepreneurship.
Palmetto Renewable Energy Inc. is a joint venture located in Martin, South Carolina and co-owned by Mark Vaughn and Brab McCully. The ethanol manufactured will be marketed by Brabham Oil Company located in Bamberg, South Carolina.
