From Jeff Oestmann, CEO and General Manager, Soy Energy, LLC:
“We are grateful no one was injured in the fire that took place at the Soy Energy plant yesterday. We are still investigating the exact cause, but know it originated in a tank inside a restricted area. Our employees initiated a phenomenal response. They followed their training to the letter, evacuating the building safely and immediately notifying the fire department. We believe we have put into place the most highly skilled, experienced workers that make up the Soy Energy team, and I’m very proud of the professionalism with which they handled the situation.
“We have called together a team of experts who are at the plant today to investigate what may have caused the incident. We are also working proactively with local officials and the fire department to determine the cause, and thank them for their quick response. Damage was minimal, essentially limited to one tank.
After the investigation is complete and the tank repaired, we should be back up and running.
“Biodiesel is the safest fuel to use, handle and store. However, the production process does involve hazardous chemicals, like methanol, which is why it should only be produced by trained workers in a commercial setting. Safety is our first priority, and we are in the final stages of becoming an accredited plant under the biodiesel industry’s voluntary BQ-9000 quality assurance program. We want to reassure the community that our plant is a safe, state-of-the-art facility. We provide 40 jobs, making valuable contributions to the area economy as well as our nation’s energy security.”
-Jeff Oestmann, CEO and General Manager, Soy Energy, LLC
4 thoughts on “Statement from Soy Energy LLC on Tuesday’s incident at plant”
Steve Nath,
The “Great SPIRITS” of the 3 managers who were fired encountered VIOLENT opposition from Soy management’s “mediocre” minds. (Jim,Mike,you,Steve,Megan….)
Your comment shows what kind of HR person you are.
As for “incredible incompetence” , the manager you referenced had a stellar work history prior to Soy with excellent references from previous employers. He contributed alot to Soy Energy.
There is no bitterness harbored against those who left Soy Energy of their will nor toward those who were unfairly fired or cut.
Many of those who left Soy Energy are dear friends to those of us who remain at Soy Energy.
The former employees are not the ones who will cause the demise of Soy Energy. We have been “imploding” with internal political/management situations from the time I started working for Soy.
The company has been in serious financial trouble as has been evidenced by several accounts losing their credit.
I can’t honestly say that a business who does not pay their bills is helping Mason City. We have wondered if were even going to have enough money to shuffle to pay our wages. That is the truth of the situation.
The operations supervisor is the only person in a management position that I feel we can trust as a leader.
The majority of those placed in management positions have been external consultants representing Virtuoso, Blackstone and independent ventures. The general concensus is that those people can walk away and wash their hands of Soy Energy .
Whether Soy succeeds or fails is not going to affect them in their businesses or careers.
The majority of the former Soy employees are not bitter, they are better for being separated from Soy Energy.
“…“Safety is our first priority” = wrong, $$$$$$ is their first priority. See comments on other story from previous employees.”
Are you serious? Do you think everyone on this site doesn’t see through your transparent charade? That you are one of those “former employees” who apparently were fired for your incredible incompetence and lack of leadership? Make better use of your time…go find another job where you can attempt to destroy an entire organization, leaving your former friends and colleagues jobless and bitter like you must be.
Cudos to Soy Energy for attempting to improve the economic situation in Mason City…as Albert Einstein once said, “Great spririts always encounter violent opposition from mediocre minds”…enough said.
Automatic response.
“We believe we have put into place the most highly skilled, experienced workers that make up the Soy Energy team” = LOL, that’s a good one
“Safety is our first priority” = wrong, $$$$$$ is their first priority. See comments on other story from previous employees.
“We provide 40 jobs” = didn’t this used to be a couple hundred?
“fire” = there is quite a difference between a fire and an explosion.
This place will be bankrupt and closed in a year or less, adding to the failed businesses and factories that made Mason City what it is today.
LOL @ captcha code “2MAD”
“dot”
We agree wholeheartedly with your comments. You always fought for the employees safety/better interest at Soy Energy.