SOMERSET, Ky., Oct. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Continental Refining Company (CRC) will keep its soybean processing plant idled for the season as it evaluates options to repair and restart the facility following a July fire. Meanwhile, CRC’s biodiesel production and fuel terminal operations continue without interruption, with a major expansion underway that will double biodiesel production capacity.

The July 5 fire occurred while the soybean operation was idled and caused significant damage to the soybean processing portion of CRC’s 77-acre agricultural and petroleum industrial complex in Somerset. The soybean plant has remained offline since the incident.

CRC continues to evaluate the feasibility of repairing and restarting the soybean plant and is considering alternatives for the future of the operation. While that process continues, the company is seeking a regional partner to operate its grain elevator.

CRC’s biodiesel production and fuel terminal operations were not affected by the fire and have remained fully operational.

Building on continued growth in its biodiesel business, CRC began a capital expansion of its biodiesel production facility in August. The project is expected to be completed by November 15 and will double the facility’s production capacity. The company is also in the process of adding a rail spur connecting the facility to the Norfolk Southern main line, enabling it to receive and ship biofuel nationwide.

The investment comes as CRC continues to experience double-digit growth in its biodiesel business and expands both its product offerings and regional reach.

In September, CRC introduced P51, a higher-blend biodiesel product that has seen strong early success in the region. P51 has been tested for several years in the equipment fleet of White Oil Company, a CRC affiliate, providing extensive real-world performance experience before the product was introduced to the broader market.

CRC will continue producing high-quality biodiesel from soybean oil and other vegetable oils while expanding its agriculture-based fuel products into new markets. The company remains focused on supporting American agriculture, promoting U.S.-made products, and providing domestically produced fuel alternatives amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.

CRC’s Somerset complex includes its soybean crush plant, biodiesel production facility, fuels blending terminal, and grain handling infrastructure.

For information about CRC’s expanded biodiesel product lines or grain elevator partnership opportunities, contact Megan Rawlins at 606-340-7603 or visit www.conrefco.com.

About Continental Refining Company

Based in Somerset, Kentucky, Continental Refining Company operates a 77-acre agricultural and petroleum industrial complex serving the agriculture and fuels industries. CRC’s current operations include biodiesel production, fuel blending and terminal services, and grain storage and handling infrastructure.

CRC produces high-quality biodiesel from soybean oil and other vegetable oils and continues to expand its production capacity, product offerings, and regional distribution. The company is committed to supporting American agriculture and expanding the availability of domestically produced fuels.

Contact:

Megan Rawlins
Compliance Manager
Continental Refining Company
Phone: 606-340-7603
meganrawlins@conrefco.com
www.conrefco.com

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SOURCE Continental Refining Company