Elevance acquires Delta BioFuels facility in Natchez

Elevance Renewable Sciences, a Bolingbrook, Illinois, US-based company dedicated to the production of specialty chemicals from natural oils, has acquired the Delta BioFuels facility in Adams County.

Elevance will invest over $225 million (€156.6 million) in converting the facility to a biorefinery and derivatives operation in a multi-phase project. In addition to the 300 construction jobs that will come available, 165 fulltime positions will be created over the next five years.

The company plans to expand the existing 800,000 square foot refinery, which is located in Natchez. The expansion project will be completed during multiple phases throughout the next five years.

'Elevance's decision to locate here in Mississippi results in a significant investment in the area and its economy, as well as in the local workforce,' says Governor Hayley Barbour.

CEO of Elevance K'Lynne Johnson comments: 'We plan on deploying Elevance's innovative technology here to bring competitive manufacturing and high-value jobs back to the United States.

'These operations will complement our joint venture with Wilmar International in Asia and expand our global footprint. By building biorefineries in multiple geographies, we are responding to our customers' demands for innovative environmentally friendly products in a cost-effective and scalable way.'

The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) worked with the company and local officials to help facilitate the project. Through the Mississippi Industry Incentive Financing Revolving Fund, MDA provided assistance for upgrades at the Natchez/Adams County Port, as well as a $25 million loan to the company. Additionally, the county provided assistance for upgrades to the port to support this project.