Source:  Tom Johnston, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 7/15/10

Tyson Foods announced its Dynamic Fuels plant in Geismar, La., is mechanically complete and the company has begun working to start operations.

 Dynamic Fuels, a joint venture between Tyson and Syntroleum Corp., will convert fats, greases and oils supplied by Tyson into as much as 75 million gallons of renewable fuel per year.

 “The commissioning activities we have in progress include flushing of all lines, verifying operation of the control system and installation of catalysts and absorbents,” Jeff Bigger, director of Dynamic Fuels’ management committee, said in a news release. “We currently expect to begin making fuel and ramping up production during the third quarter of 2010.”

 “We’re pleased with customer interest in our fuel and the sales arrangements we’ve made so far,” according to Bob Ames, vice president of Tyson Foods’ renewable energy division. “We’re anxious to begin producing and selling our renewable fuel products, which have measurable performance and environmental advantages over conventional petroleum-based fuels.”

 Dynamic Fuels has filled 44 permanent full-time positions and currently has 13 full-time start-up support staff.

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