The grand opening celebration marks High Plains Bioenergy's first venture to produce alternative, renewable energy from the Seaboard Foods integrated food system.

The renewable energy company is a subsidiary of pork producer and exporter Seaboard Foods and will use pork fat from the Guymon pork processing plant as the primary feedstock to produce up to 30 million gallons of biodiesel annually. The plant was built to use multiple feedstocks in addition to pork fat, including vegetable oils.

Biodiesel is a renewable, clean-burning fuel produced from natural oils, such as animal fats or vegetable oils, and can be used in any concentration with petroleum-based diesel fuel in existing diesel engines with little or no modification.

"We're committed to sustainable business practices and the biodiesel plant represents this commitment well," said Rod Brenneman, president of High Plains Bioenergy and Seaboard Foods.

"High Plains Bioenergy demonstrates environmental sustainability by producing clean-burning, alternative energy; economic sustainability because it adds value to our integrated food system by using pork as the feedstock; and community sustainability by creating new business opportunities for Guymon and the state of Oklahoma."

Musket Corporation, based in Oklahoma City, will market and sell the biodiesel produced by High Plains Bioenergy. Musket is a fuel trading and distribution company that delivers products to clients across North America using conventional pipelines, barges, vessels, trucking and rail operations.

Wanzek Construction Inc., with expertise in biofuel plants, completed construction of the plant. The plant uses Desmet Ballestra technology to achieve the ASTM D6751 specification-the industry standard for high-quality biodiesel. The plant will employ about 30 people when it reaches full production and operate 24 hours seven days a week.

Mr Brenneman added "We're excited to celebrate with the community and everyone who contributed to the construction process this important milestone for High Plains Bioenergy and the Seaboard Foods integrated system."