Portuguese Group will produce biodiesel in the Valley

The Portuguese group HLC Environmental Holdings will invest $ 100 million in the revitalization of the Society of Biodiesel Valley San Francisco (Biovasf) in Petrolina. The plant oil processing plant was acquired by investors in 2007, the hands of the company Goias Industries Caramuru. Off three years ago, was expected to relaunch the drive last year, but changes in general market forced the group to review its strategic plan and establish a new schedule. The new date for the start of the operation is scheduled for March 2010.

Two days ago, the world president of HLC Environmental Holdings, Horacio Carvalho, the president of Biovasf, Luiz Antonio dos Santos, attended a meeting with Governor Eduardo Campos to present the new project. "Our initial project was to export biodiesel to the European market, but the appreciation of the real and changes in import policy of purchasing countries have changed our plans. Now, let's focus on marketing in the domestic market, "explains managing director-financial, Roberto Dotta Filho.

The investment of $ 100 million will be invested in revitalizing the factory, purchase of raw materials and logistics. The project is Biovasf produce vegetable oils from soybeans, cotton and castor. "The first products are soybeans and cotton, with annual processing estimated at 20 thousand and 100 thousand tons, respectively, calculated. Even without its own production, the raw material will be brought from the western region of Bahia. The oils can be marketed as biodiesel for Petrobras, for example, or sold to companies that refine the product for human consumption. "The production from castor will depend on the PPP Project Pontal. If we can participate as partners can invest in culture, we are searching for a year and a half, "he says.

Initially, the Biovasf will generate 100 direct jobs, with capacity to expand that number to 300. Revenue in the first year of operation is estimated at $ 100 million.

Source: Jornal do Commercio