GM takes over at Cloverdale ethanol plant

CLOVERDALE -- Dave Brooks, the former general manager at POET's Marion, Ohio plant, is the new general manager at POET Biorefining -- Cloverdale.

Brooks will supervise professional, technical and support staff at the facility ensuring efficient production and that all rules and regulations are met.

"I have a strong passion for helping our country reduce its dependency on foreign oil," Brooks said. "This passion has developed and grown through service in the U.S. Navy, where I saw the real costs of protecting our vital interests in the Middle East. Additionally, I know first hand the benefits of creating jobs and investing dollars right here in the United States."

Brooks is a native of Lawrenceville, Ill. and received his Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Naval Academy. Since 2009, Brooks has provided leadership within POET as General Manager of POET Biorefining - Marion. The Marion plant achieved zero injuries in its start-up year and realized significant growth under Brooks' management.

Brooks also served as vice president of the Ohio Ethanol Producers Association.

Prior to joining POET, Brooks served in leadership positions with Sabert Corporation, Hilex Poly Co., and Sonoco Products Co., all manufacturers of plastic products.

The Cloverdale plant was acquired by POET from AltraBiofuels in June. POET is currently completing $30 million in process and plant design changes. The plant is expected to reopen in spring of 2011.

POET, the largest ethanol producer in the world, is a leader in biorefining through its efficient, vertically integrated approach to production. The 23-year-old company has a production capacity of more than 1.7 billion gallons of ethanol and 9 billion pounds of high-protein animal feed annually from 27 production facilities nationwide.

POET also operates a pilot-scale cellulosic ethanol plant, which uses corncobs and light stover as feedstock, and will commercialize the process in Emmetsburg, Iowa. For more information, visit http://www.poet.com