E85, Inc., a Seattle-based company, plans to build a state-of-the-art 100 million gallon per year ethanol plant in Chaves County, New Mexico. The newly formed company has plans to build 10 ethanol plants in the United States. E85, Inc., is sponsored by Sterling Infotech Group, a diversified global business conglomerate founded in 1988 by entrepreneur C. Sivasankaran.

The Roswell area facility will create 45-50 high wage, full-time jobs as well as hundreds of construction jobs. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2007, with the plant running in mid-2008, and the total capital investment is about $150 million dollars, pending successful completion of due diligence.

“New Mexico is well on its way to becoming the nation’s Clean Energy State and this ethanol plant is another part of making that a reality,” said Governor Richardson. “This plant will create jobs and help us end our reliance on foreign oil. It shows that we can protect the air, create American energy independence and grow our economy at the same time.”

“The State of New Mexico is a great location for our plant due to its strategic co-location to dairy producers, and close proximity to major fuel-ethanol markets,” said E85 Inc. Senior Vice President and Director Mark Dassel. “Given the community’s continued support and that of so many other agencies at the state and local level, we feel certain we will be able to have our facility up and running in mid-2008. It is a long process from site selection to operation, but the team working with us is making it a smooth, timely process.”

“It is rewarding when a project with high wages and a large capital investment fits a rural community as well as this project does” states Clark Krause, President & CEO of the New Mexico Partnership.

The site for the plant is Northeast of Dexter in Chaves County. Once the plant opens, E85, Inc. will be a leading supplier of renewable motor fuels in New Mexico and adjoining states. The plant will use corn fuel stock, with the bulk of the corn coming from the Mid-West.

The company has secured necessary water for the plant through land water rights. E85, Inc. is currently working with the Environment Department on necessary permits, including air and water discharge permits.

This plan was developed in coordination with the New Mexico Partnership, the Chaves County Development Foundation, the New Mexico Economic Development Department, the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department as well as other local officials.

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