Former Alchem Ethanol Plant To Be Auctioned

The former Alchem ethanol plant in Grafton, ND is scheduled to be auctioned on September 29, 2010.

The plant is reported to have a nameplate capacity of 9.5 million gallons a year of denatured alcohol. This facility has been operated as an ethanol plant since approximately December of 1985 with an original capacity of 3.5 MGY. Prior to conversion to ethanol, this plant was utilized as a potato flake plant by Borden’s. The facility has been idle since approximately October of 2007.

Recently, millions of dollars have been spent to upgrade the plant with an automation system, particularly with the coal fired boilers and steam generating system. The thermal oxidizer system has never been operated, but should prove to be a valuable addition. The methonator system installed has been a valuable improvement as well as the CO2 scrubber, a new re-boiler, chiller and other items.

The auction is being conducted by Steffes Auctioneers. The ethanol plant real estate and fixtures will be sold on September 29 and personal property items (office furnishings, shop equipment, etc.) not included with real estate will be sold on September 30.