E-Pellets LLC, Waycross, Ga., USA, has acquired the formerly shuttered Louisiana Pacific OSB mill in Athens, Ga. The company plans to convert the mill into a wood pellet production facility, producing approximately 450,000 metric tons annually. The wood pellets will be exported to the European Union to be used as an alternative to coal as fuel in power plants.

 

E-Pellets has a long-term port agreement with Georgia Kaolin Terminal Inc. (GKT), which provides E-Pellets sufficient port capacity to export up to 1.35 million metric tons per year of wood pellets through the port facility in Savannah, Ga. E-Pellets previously purchased another underperforming production facility in Nahunta, Ga., and is expanding the production volume. All of the wood pellets are contracted to be sent to European power producers. E-Pellets is exploring other development opportunities in Georgia and South Carolina.

 

Newly appointed CEO Doug Albrecht leads a seasoned management team. Doug is the owner and operator of a pulp, paper, and forestry products company in South America. He is supported on the ground by COO Ken Ciarletta, Logistic Manager Mark Newhart, development by Ben Easterlin, and general administration by Keith Hulbert. 

 

According to Albrecht, "E-Pellets is going to focus on executing its build-out program, and will evaluate developing other sites under option. We have an incredibly talented group of human resources with unparalleled know how in this sector, along with supporting capital partners, customers, vendors and suppliers and we hope to grow with all of them."