Michigan Advanced Biofuels Coalition adds 3 new stakeholders

Along with two other companies, Optimus Technologies has joined the Michigan Advanced Biofuels Coalition. (Photo: Optimus Technologies)

The Michigan Soybean Committee announced Feb. 14 three new stakeholders in the Michigan Advanced Biofuels Coalition (MiABC).

Formed in 2022, MiABC promotes use of biodiesel and other advanced biofuels produced from renewable resources such as soybean oil and used cooking oil.

The new stakeholders are Altom Transport Inc. of Hammond, Indiana; Optimus Technologies of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Warner Petroleum Corp. of Clare, Michigan.

“We’re excited to welcome these three organizations who share our dedication to biodiesel as a pathway for Michigan fleets and communities to meet carbon-reduction goals,” said Hanna Campbell, demand specialist for Michigan Soybean Committee, one of MiABC’s founders.

Altom Transport uses, transports biodiesel Altom Transport is a specialized bulk carrier that handles a diverse range of liquid petroleum and chemical products. In operation since 1948, Altom Transport not only transports biodiesel, but it also uses biodiesel blends up to B20 to fuel its own tank-wagon trucks and tractor-trailers that carry materials both locally and across the United States and Canada. The company’s dedication to service has made Altom Transport one of the nation’s most respected tanker companies.

“Altom Transport has always aspired to provide the highest level of service on every single delivery,” said Scott Piszczor, manager for Altom Transport. “Part of our mission of success involves using biodiesel fuel to reduce our environmental impact. Joining MiABC is another way we’re doing the right thing for our customers and our communities, both today and in the future.”

Optimus Technologies Optimus Technologies is a clean-energy technology company and the creator of the revolutionary Vector System, an EPA-compliant, biodiesel fuel-conversion system for medium- and heavy-duty diesel trucks. This proprietary technology enables vehicles to operate on 100 percent biodiesel, resulting in drastic reductions in greenhouse-gas emissions, as well as reduced fuel costs.

“Optimus Technologies is pleased to join with other stakeholders to help advance sustainable fuel solutions in Michigan,” said Colin Huwyler, CEO of Optimus Technologies. “Our B100 technology is one solution that Michigan fleets can use today to help reach their sustainability goals.”

Warner Petroleum supplies biodiesel to marine market Established in 1976, Warner Petroleum gathers, blends, distributes and transports petroleum products to a variety of traders and end-users via truck and rail. The company supplies biodiesel and other marine-fuel products and related services to merchant-marine fleets on the Great Lakes. Its operations include the Detroit River fueling wharf, Detroit and Chicago bunkering barges and a mobile-facility certified truck-tanker fleet.

“We’re a third-generation, family-owned company with a vested interest in the success of our clients and our partners,” said Jason Smith, vice president and supply and sales for Warner Petroleum. “Biodiesel is a perfect fit with that philosophy. That’s why we are proud to join forces with the Michigan Advanced Biofuels Coalition to foster greater use of biodiesel in our state and beyond.”

MiABC stakeholders Altom Transport, Optimus Technologies and Warner Petroleum join 13 other stakeholders in MiABC. By joining the coalition, these organizations signal their commitment to improving Michigan communities through heightened energy security, cleaner air and a healthier environment. Funding for MiABC comes from Michigan farmers through the soybean checkoff program.

For more information about biodiesel and MiABC, visit miadvancedbiofuels.com.