A Phoenix, Ariz.-based company has closed on its property in Battle Creek and is moving ahead with plans for the plant that it says could ultimately bring 100 new jobs to town.
Researchers, technicians and laborers will be employed at the company's plant and offices in Battle Creek and at least four other locations.
Next Alternative Inc. plans to retrofit a 35,000-square-foot building at 182 Elm St. in Battle Creek for use in manufacturing Emulsion Fuel. The site also will used as one of the company's laboratories for research and development of fuels and fuel additives.
Emulsion Fuel, what the company calls Em-Fuel, has mixture at a ratio of 60 percent fuel and 40 percent water and a small amount of stabilizing agent. The company says now that it successfully has created that mixture it is working to create one that is 50 percent petroleum and 50 percent water. It says competitors are using between only 11 percent and 20 percent water in their mixtures.
The building, on 8.5 acres of land also will house offices. And Next Alternative has purchased an adjacent 5.5 acres with an eye toward future expansion.
The plant will be outfitted to help the company develop and distribute Em-Fuel, says company President Peter Law.
"We believe that Battle Creek and our NAI-Fuel is going to play a significant role in the future of energy in general," Law says.
Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Peter Law, Next Alternative Inc.
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