VeraSun Energy has announced the startup of its 110 million gallon per year ethanol biorefinery located near Hankinson, N.D. The Hankinson production facility marks the 12th VeraSun biorefinery in operation, increasing the company’s annual operating capacity to 1.2 billion gallons.

Construction on the Hankinson facility began in August of 2006 and was completed in June. The opening of the plant was delayed due to market volatility.

“The decision to begin production at Hankinson is based on a number of factors, including an improved margin environment as well as other business considerations unique to the facility,” VeraSun CEO Don Endres said. “We continue to closely monitor market conditions and make decisions that are in the best interest of our company.”

VeraSun took ownership of the facility through its merger with US BioEnergy, which became final in April.