Irish agribusiness leader, ClonBio Group, is making a significant investment in the United States. They are committing $500 million (€456.98 million) to establish a new biorefinery in Jefferson, Wisconsin. This expansion is expected to create around 1,000 new jobs.
ClonBio is already a successful company with annual revenues of €400 million. They produce various bioproducts like protein, animal feed, and biofuels from grains across Europe and the US. They also operate a renewable gas plant in Ireland.
This investment marks a major step forward for ClonBio’s expansion in Wisconsin. They acquired the Jefferson refinery site in 2022 and have already invested $100 million in upgrades. The timing coincides with a growing global push for sustainable energy solutions.
The new plant in Wisconsin is seen as a model for further collaboration between Ireland and the US, particularly in the area of green technologies. Biofuels derived from renewable resources like agricultural waste and animal fat can provide a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels. This aligns with the growing trend of companies like Life for Tyres Group converting used materials (like tires) into biofuel feedstock, promoting a circular economy.