en.Wedoany.com Reported - Biofuel producer POET has commenced the expansion of its bioprocessing plant in Shelbyville, Tennessee, which will double its production capacity.

In a statement, POET said the expansion will increase the annual production of bioethanol at the POET Bioprocessing – Shelbyville facility from 98 million gallons to 193 million gallons.

The upgraded facility will also double the output of dried distillers grains and corn oil, and add 25 new full-time positions.

According to POET, the expansion will create new demand for 32 million bushels of corn from local farmers and improve the plant's access to new markets and emerging opportunities, including carbon capture, animal feed products, and the growing U.S. demand for E15 fuel.

Representative Jefferson Shreve said in the statement that this $200 million investment is a major victory for agriculture in Shelby County and Indiana, creating stable domestic demand for an additional 32 million bushels of Indiana corn annually.

Shreve added that supporting biofuels means supporting Indiana's farmers, rural communities, local jobs, and U.S. energy security, and that Shelby County and the entire state will benefit when Indiana corn has a stronger market here.

The expansion began in March 2026 and is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2027.