By Rachel Kytonen
rachel.kytonen@ecm-inc.com

A new biodiesel facility—which some feel will lead the effort toward energy independence in the United States—has opened its doors in Isanti.

Over 200 people gathered on Monday, Sept. 28, to celebrate the grand opening of Ever Cat Fuels’ new biodiesel facility.

Guests from all across the world and country, including Germany, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois and Louisiana, got a first-hand look at the new facility, featuring the first of its kind world-showcase using the revolutionary “Mcgyan Process.”

WCCO-TV news anchor Don Shelby served as host of the two-hour celebration.

“This new facility is leading the charge for energy change in the United States, and that energy change, I’m proud to say, begins in this room,” Shelby said. “This place is in Isanti for a reason, and one of the reasons is because of Mayor George Wimmer, who has worked very hard to get this facility here. This facility is at the center of the universe, and this man has served the community incredibly.”

The facility began operations on Sept. 11 using the Mcgyan production process—developed at SarTec labs in Anoka—that uses inedible plant waste oil.

Pictured: Ever Cat Fuels’ new biodiesel facility is located in Isanti, near the northwest corner of the intersection of Isanti Parkway East and East Dual Blvd. (Photos by Rachel Kyotnen)

The discovery of the Mcgyan process began at Augsburg College a little over three years ago when Professor Arlin Gyberg and then student Brian Krohn contacted Dr. Clayton McNeff and Dr. Ben Yan at SarTec Corporation.

The plant is designed to produce up to three million gallons per year, doesn’t use any water or chemicals and doesn’t produce any waste products.

Isanti Mayor George Wimmer was introduced to the project at a chamber dinner in 2007  during a conversation with Landmark Community Bank President Kevin Johnson.

“I will never forget my first meeting with the McNeffs,” Wimmer said. “We met at city hall, and the initial details of the process and facility were explained. The fact that it was cost effective, not water intensive and eliminated the food or fuel choice, I was sold on the concept.”

Wimmer acknowledged the partnerships it took to bring the facility to Isanti.

“This project has already fostered an environment of intergovernmental agency cooperation and will continue to create and enhance these partnerships, as the project evolves and grows into the future,” Wimmer said. “The end result only proves what can be accomplished if we all work together and if the lines of communication between us all are open. The result is a successful project that may be an example to others.”

Wimmer acknowledged several community partnerships with entities such as the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, Congressman Jim Oberstar, East Central Regional Development Commission, State Senator Rick Olseen and State Representative Rob Eastlund.

Isanti Mayor George Wimmer

Pictured: WCCO-TV's news anchor Don Shelby hosted the two-hour grand-opening celebration.

“They have tested hundreds of feedstocks throughout this process, and for the most part the results have been incredible,” Shelby said. “You’re talking about a renewable resource to the likes of which we’ve never seen before. The future of the Mcgyan process has been franchised all over the world.”

Wimmer thanked the McNeff family and the entire Ever Cat Fuels family for their dedication and hard work.

“Their perseverance in making this project a successful reality is an inspiration to us all,” Wimmer  said. “They have been a joy to work with on this project and are the highest professional and ethical individuals that I have had the pleasure to work with.

“From March of 2007 to the fall of 2009, we have faced a number of interesting challenges and at each and every hurdle we have found excellent solutions. Through their genius of invention to their tenacity to bring positive change to the world, we all thank you and look forward to your next great invention,” Wimmer added.

Shelby took great pleasure in being a part of the grand opening celebration.

“We’re seeing history being made here today,” Shelby said. “The truth of the matter is we had to find something else, and we found it. All eyes will be on Isanti, and all eyes will be on the Mcgyan process.”

For more information on the Mcgyan process and Ever Cat Fuels visit www.evercatfuels.com

Licenses for the patented pending Mcgyan production process are available through McNeff Research Consultants. Contact Dave Wendorf at 763-432-2743 or davewendorf@mcneffresearchconsultants.com for more information.

Comments (3)

Dan B.: Ever Cat Investment I'm very excited about the new technology, and it's potential to reduce energy dependence utilizing a domestically developed, environmentally friendly process. Are there investment opportunities available to the small investor with Ever Cat? Dan B. 1 October 02, 2009 Concerned parent: ... Awful smells come from that plant when you are by the bmx track or playground area in Bluebird Park it is just terrible!!!! 2 October 07, 2009 hopeful American: ... Ever Cat, I hope that oil companies don't buy you out and shelf this technology. This is one way America can reinvent itself. We need to stop the oil wars and the trillions spent on guarding Middle East oil. I hope you make trillions! 3 October 23, 2009

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