Overview

The Welcome plant, located on 300 acres about 160 miles southwest of Minneapolis, produces ethanol, distillers grains livestock feed and fuel- and feed-grade corn oil. With original startup in June 2009, the plant was acquired by Valero in April 2009. 

The plant became one of the industry’s first zero liquid discharge facilities, releasing no wastewater and reusing process water and storm water to supplement well water coming in. The facility also is the only ethanol plant Valero opened brand new, completing construction two months after its purchase.

The plant purchases corn from within 40-50 miles.

Welcome Map

Welcome By the Numbers

  • ~74 employees
  • 140 million gallons per year ethanol production capacity
  • 368,000 tons per year dried distillers grains production
  • 49 million bushels per year corn processing capacity 
  • More than $714,000 contributed to the local United Way through employee pledges, additional donations and company matches since 2013
  • $313,000 from the Valero Texas Open and Benefit for Children to local children's charities over the last 10 years
  • More than 20,000 hours volunteered by Welcome plant employees supporting local nonprofits over the last 10 years

By the Numbers

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In Our Community

Welcome Employees Give Back

Back of Valero volunteer t-shirt

Volunteer Hours

More than 20,000 hours volunteered by Welcome employees supporting local nonprofits over the last 10 years.

Valero Texas Open golf ball

Benefiting Children

A total of $313,000 has been given to local children's charities over the last 10 years from the Valero Texas Open and Benefit for Children.

Welcome United Way

United Way Giving

More than $714,000 contributed to the local United Way through employee pledges, additional donations and company matches since 2013.

Safety Awards & Honors

Multiple quarterly Valero STAR Metric awards for achieving no incidents in five key areas of process safety, reliability, environmental, rail safety, and policy and procedure compliance.

2018 Meritorious Achievement Award in Occupational Safety from the Minnesota Safety Council

2018 Large Business of the Year from the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce

Three-time recipient of the Valero Chairman’s Renewables Plant Excellence Award across several measures, from safety, reliability and environmental performance to production and community support.

Recently named, "Workplace of the Year" by Ethanol Producer Magazine for its safety record, diverse workforce and high participation in Valero's Total Wellness program.

Local Information

Farmers Work Hard to Produce and Harvest Corn

At Valero, we work hard to maximize the value of U.S. corn production by connecting farmers to premium markets across the globe.

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Contact Us Plant Manager: Nicole Gries