Posey County is now home to a major milestone in fuel innovation. Indianapolis-based CountryMark is celebrating the completion of a more than $100 million expansion at its diesel fuel production facility in Mount Vernon. This strategic investment enhances the refinery’s capabilities with cutting-edge technology to improve diesel quality and significantly increase production of renewable diesel.
The farmer-owned cooperative’s upgraded facility will now co-process renewable diesel by blending conventional diesel with renewable feedstocks—such as soybean oil sourced from Indiana and neighboring states. The result is a lower-carbon fuel alternative that aligns with global shifts toward cleaner energy.
“We can process up to 10% renewable feedstocks, which will reduce the carbon intensity of our diesel fuel,” said Matt Smorch, CountryMark President and CEO. “This project creates a circular economy—Hoosier-grown soybeans are refined locally and returned to the very farmers who helped produce them.”
Unlike traditional biodiesel, CountryMark’s renewable diesel meets rigorous diesel specifications, remains stable in long-term storage, and performs well in cold climates. The innovative process leverages existing refinery infrastructure, making it a highly efficient and cost-effective solution.
The expansion, which broke ground last fall, began production in June. The facility will ramp up diesel output in August and launch renewable diesel processing in September. While the project didn’t add new jobs, it strengthens the long-term viability of CountryMark’s existing workforce and operations—500 employees strong across the region.
This investment reinforces Posey County’s role in the future of sustainable fuel and adds momentum to Indiana’s ag-energy sector.
“This is just the beginning,” Smorch said. “We’re building expertise in renewable diesel now so we’re ready for the demands of the future—and we’re proud to be doing it right here in southwest Indiana.”