History

West Central and Renewable Energy Group, Inc. have been a part of the biodiesel movement from the very beginning. By forging new relationships and staying on the cutting edge of technology, Renewable Energy Group, Inc. will continue to lead the renewable fuels industry.

1996    

First biodiesel plant built in Ralston, Iowa as a way to add value to co-op members' grain  

1998

West Central began to market SoyPOWER brand premium biodiesel fuel

2002

West Central opens one of the world's largest and most sophisticated continuous flow processing plants for processing soybeans into premium biodiesel fuel in Ralston, Iowa

2003

West Central launched Renewable Energy Group, LLC (REG) as a partnership with Todd & Sargent.

2004

In cooperation with Iowa State University, West Central received a $1.19 million grant from the USDA to study and develop new technologies for the production of methyl esters.

2006

Formed Renewable Energy Group®, Inc. as independent corporation.

Announced $100 million private equity and new industry partnerships 

2007

Broke ground on 60 mmgy facility in Emporia, Kans.

Broke ground on 60 mmgy facility in New Orleans, La.

2008

Introduced REG-9000® biodiesel brand and quality specifications

Acquired 35 mmgy facility in Houston, Texas

2009

Completed technology upgrades for Blackhawk Biofuels, LLC facility in Danville, Ill.

2010

Acquired Central Iowa Energy, LLC and consolidated with Blackhawk Biofuels, LLC adding REG Newton and REG Danville facilities

Acquired Seneca, Ill. assets of Nova Biosource through sale/leaseback program

Acquired Tellurian Biodiesel and American BDF

Acquired Clovis, New Mexico biodiesel facility in common stock agreement with ARES

2011

Acquired Albert Lea, Minn. assets of SoyMor Biodiesel, LLC