Guardian Lima, LLC of Ohio is officially back in full operation, producing 54 million gallons of ethanol a year, as well as 165,000 tons of dried distillers grains and jobs for the local economy.

Guardian Lima employs 33 full time Ohioans in positions from chemists to engineers to accountants and administrative support staff. Prior to the opening, there were 120 jobs involved with retrofitting and construction of the plant. The facility, formally Greater Ohio Ethanol, originally began operations in 2008 but went idle shortly thereafter due to adverse market conditions. Guardian Lima acquired majority stake in the ethanol production facility in November 2010.

“We are proud to bring this facility back into operation, creating jobs and providing a boost to the Lima economy,” said Don Gales, CEO of Guardian Lima, LLC. “Domestic ethanol production is a key component of the nation’s energy strategy and one that begins in hundreds of small towns and cities just like Lima.”

Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Bob Dinneen congratulated the company for bringing the plant back into operation. “America’s ethanol industry continues to demonstrate an unparalleled ability to create jobs, particularly in small cities and rural communities all across the country,” said Dinneen.