Ethanol Plant in South Bend to See New Upgrade Worth Over 230 Million Dollars

SOUTH BEND, Ind - The German biofuel company, Verbio, recently acquired the South Bend ethanol plant on West Calvert Street in South Bend.  

The President and CEO of Verbio has plans to expand and modernize the plant. 

“Most of the investment will be used to allow us to construct renewable natural gas facilities and so we will end of operating what’s called a bio refinery we will continue to make ethanol, 65 million gallons a year is the target,” said Greg Northrup, President & CEO OF Verbio. 

The company has committed to spending 230 million dollars in investment into the plant over the next three years and bringing in more local green energy jobs.

“We also hope to add eight new professional positions over the course of the next eight to twelve months.” said Northrup 

The South Bend Common Council is considering over 16 million dollars in tax breaks for the project.

“With Verbio’s investment of over 230 million, South Bend is attracting cutting edge industry and as well attracting climate action,” said Rachel Tomas Morgan, South Bend Common Council at large Member.

Some neighbors have voiced concerns about the smell of the plant over the years----but one resident who's lived here since 1999 says he fully supports the plan. 

The final vote on the tax breaks for the plan is scheduled for May 22

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