SHELBYVILLE, Ind. – POET, LLC, recently announced plans to expand its POET Bioprocessing-Shelbyville, Ind., plant, which officials said will boost bioethanol production capacity from 98 million gallons to 193 million gallons.

Erin Branick, POET media manager, told Farm World the upgrades will also double the facility’s dried distillers grains and corn oil output, increase local grain demand for area farmers, and add 20 jobs.

“POET’s team has done our due diligence by monitoring long-term market trends and evaluating each of our Indiana facilities,” she said regarding the reason for the expansion. “POET Bioprocessing-Shelbyville is well-suited for an expansion of this size, and the Shelbyville community has been supportive of the facility. The expansion will help POET meet the growing demand for biofuel and bioproducts.”

She said this expansion reflects POET’s confidence in the future of the industry: “Our main goals are to stay ahead of growing biofuel and bioproduct demand, and continue to grow grain markets for local farmers,” adding that the expansion is projected to cost $203 million.

Jeff Lautt, POET president and chief operating officer, 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.”

As farmers face low commodity prices, he said access to stable domestic markets for grain is essential. He added this expansion will position POET Bioprocessing-Shelbyville – which began operations in 2020 – and area farmers to access new markets and emerging opportunities, including carbon capture, feed products, and growing demand for E15 fuel across the U.S.

“New biofuel markets are a win for consumers, farmers and domestic energy,” he said. “POET is positioned to meet rising demand for biofuels and bioproducts, while delivering real economic benefits to rural America.”

Jason Lucas, POET Bioprocessing-Shelbyville general manager, said, “The hard work and dedication of the POET team are what make this kind of growth possible. We’re proud of the work we do and grateful for the support of this community, and we look forward to continue investing and delivering value for many years to come.”

Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Sioux Falls, POET operates 34 bioprocessing facilities in eight states – Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and South Dakota – and employs more than 2,400 team members.

“POET is dedicated to strengthening America’s energy and the agricultural future,” Lautt said. “This expansion will play an important role as we work to grow the global bioeconomy from right here in the Heartland.”

Construction will begin in March 2026 and is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2027, officials said.