ATLANTA, GA – Today, Drax Biomass, a leading manufacturer of sustainably sourced compressed wood pellets, received The Lantern Award for its dedication and commitment to Louisiana communities. The award was handed out personally by the Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson.
The Louisiana Economic Development launched The Lantern Award in 1979, to recognize businesses that have made a substantial contribution to the economic and civic development of their communities. It is a highly competitive process, and nominees must have the support of state officials and leading civic organizations.
“We’re proud of the role that we play in the areas in which we operate and as we grow as a business we feel strongly that the communities around our operations should grow as well,” said Pete Madden, President and Chief Executive Officer of Drax Biomass. “This is a significant achievement and demonstrates that our hard work on local economic development is highly valued and recognized in Louisiana.”
Winners are selected by Louisiana’s eight Regional Planning and Development Districts based upon manufacturing excellence, growth in the number of employees, expansion of their facilities, and their role within the community.
Drax Biomass began construction on its Morehouse BioEnergy facility in Bastrop, LA in early 2013. Since breaking ground, the Morehouse BioEnergy plant has become a major contributor to the region’s economy. The plant maintains almost 65 full-time employees and supports approximately 150 additional jobs across the forestry, hauling, and transportation sectors. Drax Biomass is also contributing to the revitalization of the local wood products sector, which has suffered in recent years from the closure of several large-scale paper mills.
Drax Biomass is committed to expanding its positive presence and supporting the communities in which it operates by promoting sustainable forestry and investing in local economic development.
About Drax Biomass
Drax Biomass Inc. is a manufacturer of compressed wood pellets produced from sustainably managed working forests. Headquartered in Atlanta, GA with operations across the Southeastern U.S., we employ innovative manufacturing techniques to produce high quality pellets that can be shipped safely and efficiently around the world for use as a renewable, low-carbon fuel. Our pellets allow electric utilities to reduce their dependence on coal, lower carbon emissions and provide new sources of safe, reliable and affordable power. Led by an experienced team of operations professionals, Drax Biomass is committed to supporting the communities in which we operate by promoting sustainable forestry and investing in local economic development.
About Drax Group
Drax Group plc plays a vital role in helping change the way energy is generated, supplied and used as the UK moves to a low carbon future. Drax operates the largest power station in the UK and supplies up to 7 percent of the country’s electricity needs. The energy firm converted from burning coal to become a predominantly biomass-fueled electricity generator. Drax is the biggest single site renewable generator in the UK and the largest decarbonization project in Europe. Its 2,300-strong staff operate across three principal areas of activity – electricity generation, electricity sales to business customers and compressed wood pellet production.
High resolution photo:
Download here.
LEFT TO RIGHT
Bobby Cooper
Governor John Bel Edwards
JaNeta Thomas
Brad Mayhew
Daniel Watt
Media Contact:
David Marks
1-678-761-4339
