(Shelbyville, IN) – POET plans a major expansion of its Shelbyville bioprocessing plant, a project the company says will nearly double bioethanol production and boost demand for local grain by the end of 2027.
The expansion will increase annual bioethanol output at POET–Shelbyville from 98 million gallons to 193 million gallons. The upgraded facility will also double production of dried distillers grains and corn oil, add 20 new full-time positions, and increase grain demand from area farmers.
POET President and Chief Operating Officer Jeff Lautt said the project reflects the company’s confidence in biofuels and its long-term commitment to agriculture and domestic energy production.
“This expansion reflects POET’s confidence in the future of biofuels and our commitment to American agriculture and domestic energy production,” Lautt said. “By growing this facility, we’re strengthening markets for local farmers, creating good-paying rural jobs, and ensuring we can meet the growing global demand for our suite of bioproducts.”
Company officials said the expansion comes at a time when farmers are facing low commodity prices, making stable domestic markets for grain increasingly important. The Shelbyville project is expected to help position the plant and surrounding agricultural community to take advantage of emerging opportunities, including carbon capture initiatives, new feed products, and rising demand for E15 fuel nationwide.
“New biofuel markets are a win for consumers, farmers, and domestic energy,” Lautt said. “POET is positioned to meet rising demand for biofuels and bioproducts while delivering real economic benefits to rural America.”
Jason Lucas, general manager of POET Bioprocessing–Shelbyville, said the investment underscores the company’s ties to the communities where it operates.
“The hard work and dedication of the POET team are what make this kind of growth possible,” Lucas said. “We’re proud of the work we do and grateful for the support of this community, and we look forward to continuing to invest and deliver value for many years to come.”
Construction on the expansion is scheduled to begin in March 2026, with completion expected in the fourth quarter of 2027.
POET operates five bioethanol facilities in Indiana, including plants in Shelbyville, Alexandria, Cloverdale, Portland, and North Manchester.
(WRBI thanks our news gathering partners at Hoosier Ag Today, for help with this story.)
