Groups still working to finish oilseed plant sale – Goal is to convert vegetable oils to biodiesel fuel.

An amalgamation of grants, loans and private investment is financing the purchase of the Montola Growers oilseed plant in Culbertson with the aim of converting the vegetable oils to biodiesel fuel.

A Missoula renewable fuels firm, Sustainable Systems, announced in April its intent to buy the oilseed-processing plant owned by the Sheridan Electric Cooperative.

The financial arrangements have taken longer than expected, as the deal was targeted for July 1 completion.

"It is no one’s fault," Paul Miller, the managing member of Sustainable Systems, said Monday. "It is a process that takes time."

Added incentive

With the current energy price run-up for fuels of all kinds, it gives the project added incentive, Miller said.

He said producer interest is keen and there is momentum from both the market and production side. "It is in our favor," he said.

Sustainable Systems http://www.sustainablesystemsllc.com/ is a renewable energy and bio-based product research, development and commercialization company focused on the processing and marketing of agricultural and waste materials into fuels, lubricants, specialty chemicals and other bio-based and dietary products.

By JIM GRANSBERY
Of The Gazette Staff

Full Story: http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?id=1&display=rednews/2005/09/20/build/state/37-oilseed-plant.inc

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(Thanks to David Bjornson for passing this along. Russ)