Excellent progress being reported at Sarnia's BioAmber plant is providing reason for optimism that the company could build another facility here.
The Montreal-based company reports fourth quarter sales of bio-succinic acid topped $1.1-million, pushing yearly revenue to $2.2-million and over 100 companies are now testing the product produced locally.
BioAmber is looking at sites in the U.S. and Sarnia and says it has optioned a parcel of land at nearby TransAlta's Bluewater Energy Park.
TransAlta's less expensive gas-powered electricity would be available if the Sarnia site is chosen.
BioAmber says the second plant will cost about $500-million US and could possibly be commissioned in late 2018, depending on finances.
The facility would produce about 200,000 metric tons of bio-succinic acid which in turn would be used to make biodegradable polyesters, plastics and polyurethanes.
60 people are employed at the existing Sarnia BioAmber site at the Lanxess Bio-Industrial Park on Vidal St.
