Evergreen FS in Chenoa, IL is the perfect choice for our first Fuel Feature Facility. This was the first place in the world that a Junge Fuel Manager was installed, since then many have been installed at other fuel facilities in the US. Chenoa's story began back in 2005. We spoke with Bob Eichelberger, Operations Manager and Russ Higgins, Petroleum Manager of Evergreen FS about the possibility of creating an automated fuel management system. While we were experts in creating automated blending systems for agriculture, we would have to now look what was needed in the fuel industry. Biodiesel, a growing product line, creates its own specific needs. We were ready to address these needs.
Evergreen FS at Chenoa had been a fertilizer and chemical plant. No petroleum bulk plant was on site. Evergreen closed a couple older bulk plants and the facility at Chenoa would now be a fertilizer, chemical, and fuel plant. This meant the Evergreen and Junge Control team would go through changes together - starting a new facility and developing a new product to aid in running it.
Construction began with the petroleum contractor in 2006, with the first test of the new Junge Fuel Manager System that fall. Trials and troubleshooting were done to come up with the final Fuel Manager System that was installed in Chenoa. It was not developed in one day. We wanted our product to be easy to use, accurate in blending materials, and records of each transaction. This system allows the petroleum salesperson to simply drive into the fuel station, go up to the touch screen, enter in identification, and choose the blend and amount. The Fuel Manager then turns on/off correct pumps and valves, and dispenses exactly what the salesperson asked for every time. It is a simple system that provides a record of each transaction. The Evergreen and Junge team worked together to design the only fuel total management and automated blending system out there - even today.
The Junge Fuel Manager, the first and still only operating total fuel management/blending system for petroleum bulk plants, makes biodiesel and ethanol mixes easier and more profitable. This has to be if renewable fuels are to be a long term part of what our customers grow! Evergreen FS at Chenoa and its team played an important role in the future of biofuels and for that we are thankful!
Evergreen FS at Chenoa team - Dan Ehrhardt, Plant Manager, John Hankes, Petroleum Sales, Dick Hobb, Petroleum Sales, John Kolvate, Petroleum Sales, Jeff Todd, Petroleum Sales, Dale Rupp, Fertilizer Sales, Chuck Kauffman, Seed Sales, Tom Hany, LP Sales, Krista Kaufman, Secretary, and Sally Kaufman, Retired Secretary.
