On November 10, Viridis Chemical welcomed partners, customers, community leaders, and employees to a Plant Preview Event at our soon-to-be-commissioned ethyl acetate facility on the Illinois River in Peoria.
The morning brought together team members who have been managing the relocation, longtime investors, new local hires, chemical industry friends, and elected officials including Congressman Eric Sorensen (D-Il), Congressman Darin LaHood (R-Il) and Peoria Mayor Rita Ali – all there to see how far the project has progressed and to welcome Viridis to the Illinois community.
A year ago, we were asking an existential question…
When planning began last year, one question shaped every decision: Could a plant of this size be safely and effectively relocated in one year?
During the plant tours, visitors saw the answer firsthand. The Viridis facility – re-engineered, improved, and approaching commissioning next month – now stands as proof of what disciplined planning and expert coordination can achieve.
“This plant represents a level of execution that is not often attempted,” said Pat Killian, Viridis CEO. “What you see here is the result of people who were willing to take on something ambitious – and do it safely, responsibly, and faster than anyone thought possible.”
The progress visitors saw reflects coordinated work from teams across functions – engineers, operators, and specialists who moved quickly, solved challenges in real time, and kept the project advancing without compromising safety or quality.
Peoria’s Support Made All the Difference
A consistent theme throughout the day was the strength and support of the Peoria community. The project benefitted from close collaboration with the Mayor’s office, City Manager Patrick Ulrich, City Councilmembers, Ameren, the Greater Peoria Sanitary District, the USDA Research Lab, and numerous Warehouse District vendors and specialists.
In addition, nearly 20 employees from the greater Peoria region have already joined Viridis, contributing local knowledge, technical expertise, and momentum as we prepare for start-up.
“Peoria has welcomed us and partnered closely with us,” Pat added. “Their support has been a real advantage, and it’s already shaping the long-term future of this site.”
A “Marathon Sprint” with Extraordinary Leaders
The relocation was led by a core group of principal managers whose experience and dedication turned an aggressive timeline into well executed work:
- Randy Bergeron, Construction Manager
- Eric Lawrence, Site Leader & Relocation Project Manager
- Bill McConnell, Chief Operating Officer and originator of the relocation strategy
They were supported by dozens of engineers, operators, and technicians who helped drive the work forward safely and efficiently.
The team from Sterling, our engineering and construction partner, also played an essential role. Their ability to manage intricate disassembly and reconstruction – while staying tightly integrated with our internal teams – was instrumental in meeting the one-year schedule.
A Neighbor That Made the Vision Possible
Our partnership with BioUrja Renewables was equally visible during the preview, with their entire leadership team joining the celebration.
Their high-purity ethanol facility next door is central to our renewable feedstock strategy and was a major factor in selecting Peoria as Viridis’ long-term home. Their entrepreneurial mindset and shared commitment to lowering carbon footprint across the chemical industry have made them enthusiastic supporters of Viridis.
Customers Following the Journey
Throughout the relocation, we have shared regular construction updates – photos, videos, and milestone reports – with customers across the industry. The excitement and encouragement in their responses made it clear how closely this project has been watched.
Many are eager for another reliable domestic supplier, and for some, our geographic location in Peoria will reduce transportation and lead times. Customer feedback also helped refine aspects of the plant’s design as it was rebuilt, ensuring equipment and layout choices aligned with evolving market needs.
We look forward to hosting more customers on site after the plant starts up.
The Viridis Difference – and Path Forward
The November 10 preview highlighted not only site progress, but also where Viridis is heading. While renewable chemistry is advancing across the industry, few companies are operating at the scale, cost-competitiveness, and reliability needed to meet mainstream demand. Viridis’ Prairie Green™ continuous, catalyst-based process is designed to deliver high-quality ethyl acetate with meaningful carbon-reduction benefits for customers seeking lower-carbon formulations.
“To compete in today’s market, you have to deliver on performance and reliability first,” said Pat. “What makes Viridis different is that we can meet those expectations while also giving customers a meaningful carbon advantage at commercial scale.”
With commissioning beginning next month, we are preparing for the next phase of growth:
- Delivering reliable U.S.-made ethyl acetate
- Reducing carbon footprints across the value chain
- Advancing additional renewable products already in development
The Viridis Plant Preview provided partners, neighbors, and supporters with an early look at a facility built for scale, performance, and long-term value. The event served as a meaningful marker of momentum – and that momentum will carry us into the next phase with precision, confidence, and a constant focus on delivering for our customers.
