Company announces plans to manufacture biomass energy cubes at former air base near Marquette

New biomass plant in works near Marquette

MARQUETTE, Mich. — A company has announced plans to manufacture biomass energy cubes at a technology park near Marquette.

The venture is called renewaFUEL, a subsidiary of Cliffs Natural Resources Inc., which operates two iron ore mines in Marquette County.

Company officials said Friday the renewaFUEL plant will produce 150,000 tons a year of high-energy, low-emission biofuel cubes. They will be made with wood and agriculture feedstocks supplied by local farmers and loggers.

The company plans to operate in two hangar buildings that once housed B-52 bombers at the former K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base, which has been converted to Telkite Technology Park.

William Brake, chairman of renewaFUEL, says the plant will employ about 25 people. It should begin production by the middle of next year.