Mascoma/Michigan Universities building cellulosic ethanol plant in Michigan's U.P.

[HoosierRon]

I spent this last weekend in the U.P. This is a huge development for the economy of the area.

Historic investment set for production facility in U.P.’s Chippewa County

Mascoma Corporation CEO Bruce A. Jamerson today announced that the Massachusetts-based company has entered into a series of key strategic relationships to further Mascoma’s efforts to build its first commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol plant in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Agreements with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), JM Longyear, and alliances formed with Michigan State University (MSU) and Michigan Technological University (MTU) will help bring the plant to Chippewa County, south of Sault Ste. Marie, where clean-burning, fuel-grade ethanol will be produced from wood fiber. The agreements build on Mascoma’s decision announced last July to locate in Michigan.
...
Mascoma chose Michigan for its first commercial-scale facility based on the vast sustainable forests and agricultural materials available and the expertise provided by JM Longyear. In addition, Mascoma will collaborate with MSU and MTU to develop and hone scientific processes that utilize Michigan feedstocks for cellulosic ethanol production.
...
“This new facility will mean more jobs in our agriculture, timber, and manufacturing industries while benefiting our environment and energy security as a nation,” he said.

Mascoma and Marquette-based JM Longyear, a leading natural resource company, entered into a strategic relationship to combine Mascoma’s technology with JM Longyear’s significant project development experience, including its recent $1.6 billion Minnesota Steel project and its deep natural resource experience.
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Prior to the announcement of its first commercial-scale production facility in northern Michigan, Mascoma announced a pilot project in Rome, New York, which is now under construction and will be completed by the end of the year, and a 2MMGY pre-commercial scale facility to be run on switchgrass in Tennessee. Last month, Mascoma announced equity investments by General Motors and Marathon Oil Corporation (NYSE: MRO) as part of a $61 million third round of funding.
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[WishIhadatruck]

I saw this in the paper this weekend, great news. I'll be cruising through the U.P. in a few weeks myself. Most areas up there need all the economic help they can get.

[Butz]

glad to see people investing in Michigan good news for the states economy

[Wolfman01]

Any word anywhere on production capacity?

Thisi s great news for Michigan.

[Ed Arcuri]

This is good to see as most job-creation is taking place in states with low taxes. Michigan's tax rates are a strong headwind for job creation.
Now we need E85 capability in the cars people want to buy and more drilling.
Cheers,
Ed Arcuri

[samkung]

This is something i would support!!!

[HoosierRon]

Originally Posted by Wolfman01

Any word anywhere on production capacity?

Thisi s great news for Michigan.

40 million gallons per year.
source