As of Tuesday, Pratt Energy, LLC is once again producing ethanol fuel, vegetable oil and distillers grains. This is good news for corn and livestock producers as well as and the Pratt community, according to the Kansas Corn Commission.

Scott Anderson, National Ethanol Marketer for the plant, said the opening of Pratt Energy means jobs to nearly 40 local residents and other positive impacts on the local economy.

"We are tentatively scheduled to start production on Tuesday following significant improvements and modifications to the plant, Anderson says. "As a 55-million gallon per year plant, we create economic activity for the rural community, positive jobs and demand for grain and production of WDGS."

The plant will run 24-hours a day, seven days a week and will ship 45-loads of corn and distillers grain each day. Ethanol fuel will comprise nearly 20 loads a day and Pratt Energy expects one load of oil per day as well. Anderson said the increased number of truckers coming through the area will mean more business for local merchants.

"Not only is this plant producing ethanol and livestock feed," Sue Schulte, director of communications for the Kansas Corn Commission, said. "It brings jobs and economic growth to the Pratt community."

Completed in 2008, the ethanol plant ran for a short time then ceased operations. In 2011 Scoular purchased the facility and formed a joint venture with Calgren Renewable Fuels.

"We will certainly be utilizing lot of resources in the community both sale and retail because we have a significant amount of employees," Anderson also said. "Using services from the city and the surrounding area will benefit everyone. We are looking forward to success in the future."

The plant is located at 10333 NE 30th Street, Pratt, Kan.