On Friday, Atlantic, Iowa-based Elite Octane celebrated reaching the milestone of producing its billionth gallon of ethanol.

With its 53 employees, Elite Octane has paid more than $1.6 billion to local corn farmers since commencing operations in 2018, nearly all funds received within 60 miles of Atlantic, Iowa. The over 300 million bushels of corn were processed into more than just ethanol. Elite Octane also produced more than 2 million tons of high protein animal feed and over 300 million pounds of corn oil as well. Additionally, 50 percent of all the water used in the ethanol production process is recycled water from the City of Atlantic that would otherwise be discharged down the river.

Elite Octane began its operations on July 1, 2018, and has the capacity to produce 150 million gallons of ethanol each year. Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper congratulated the investors and staff for reaching such a significant milestone in only seven years. “Over the past seven years, they have worked tirelessly to support the local economy in Iowa, providing cleaner, lower-cost fuel ethanol and other coproducts. We are proud of their success and their impact on the American ethanol industry,” said Cooper.