Grain Processing Opens Large, High-Quality, Efficient Distillery
The capital investment allows the U.S. manufacturer to make significantly more pure alcohol for customers demanding the best quality in the world
MUSCATINE, Iowa (February 22, 2021) — Grain Processing Corporation (GPC), member of the Kent Corporation family of companies, is now manufacturing significantly more of the high-quality alcohol its plants in Muscatine, Iowa and Washington, Indiana are known for among customers around the world.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, GPC has supported the manufacture of millions of gallons of ethyl alcohol to support the production of essential products in the fight against Covid-19 including: hand sanitizers, disinfectants, cleaners and surfactants, mouthwash, cough & cold medicines, and in the manufacture of active pharma ingredients, vaccine components and Covid-19 testing reagents.
Originally announced in May 2015, the multi-year, multi-million dollar capital investment and expansion took thousands of engineering hours and leveraged the expertise of GPC’s workforce to increase the amount of value-added ingredients made from the kernel of corn.
“To produce alcohol to 1 ppm or less total impurities, there are no short cuts,” said Pat Homoelle, President of GPC. “Our world-class quality sets us apart and is recognized by our trusted partners who depend upon us to consistently craft gallon after gallon for a range of products from beverage alcohol to pharmaceutical-grade applications.”
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, to meet increased demand for high-purity alcohol, the project timeline was successfully compressed by nearly eight months and completed early as a result of dedication, expertise and flexibility. The original start-up date was July 2021.
“The accelerated completion of the distillery during the pandemic will go down as one of Kent Corporation’s greatest success stories during very challenging circumstances,” said Homoelle.
This expansion is an exciting step toward sustainable success for employees, communities and customers. To GPC’s knowledge, the new distillery is the largest and most efficient in the world.
To accelerate construction, significant additional contractor labor and overtime hours were used and deliveries on equipment and piping-related materials were fast-tracked. To support timely construction and procurement, considerable project management and contractor oversite took place by multiple engineers. In addition, an incredible amount of time and attention were dedicated to safety and training by GPC engineering, production, and maintenance personnel prior to the new distillery launch.
GPC’s ethyl alcohol products are also offered as Non-GM. GPC participates best where quality matters. When you want the best, call the best. GPC is accepting contracts now.
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About Grain Processing Corporation
Grain Processing Corporation is a leading manufacturer of pure alcohol, maltodextrins, starches as well as co-products for the animal nutrition industry. With plants in Muscatine, Iowa and Washington, Indiana, GPC ingredients are sold to customers for beverage alcohol, food products, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, personal care and industrial starch applications. GPC is known for the highest-quality products in markets it serves.
About Kent Corporation
Kent Corporation is a diversified, privately-held corporation with operating subsidiaries involved in corn wet milling, the production of animal nutrition and the manufacture of high-quality food, beverage, pharmaceutical and pet products. Kent is led by third-generation family member Gage A. Kent. The Kent family of companies serves customers across the world and employs approximately 2,000 people in 40 locations across 20 states and seven countries.