The country’s largest biodiesel producer, Renewable Energy Group (REG), has paid off its long-term debt obligations of its operating biorefinery subsidiary in Seneca, Illinois. REG Seneca, LLC retired its outstanding long-term debt obligation of $34.5 million on December 21 with cash generated from operations since April 2010. This amended and restated credit agreement went into effect April 2010 with Portigon AG (formerly WestLB AG).

“When we acquired Seneca, we believed the restrictive debt structure was appropriate because the plant was purchased out of bankruptcy. As REG Seneca came online and our state-of-the-art production technology was proven, the natural cash flow generated from this 60 million gallon refinery allowed us to pay off the debt,” said Daniel J. Oh, REG President and CEO.

Oh added, “This debt repayment makes it more likely that we will be able to grow our business, implement new refining technologies, and grow our employee base.”