"Biodiesel is a high-growth market," said United Oil president Charles Cross.
The Pittsburgh Business Times reports that if Cross is successful, United Oil could see its annual production double or triple from its current 1 million gallons and its number of employees rise from 6 to 11. Within the next 18 months, Cross hopes to modify his facilities so production can rise to 4 million gallons, and, further down the road, he hopes to add additional facilities.
Biodiesel, an alternative fuel made of vegetable oil and animal fats, can be mixed with petroleum diesel to help lower the emissions of diesel trucks, cut down on the amount of foreign-supplied petroleum diesel required and increase lubricity, which makes engines last longer.
Although United Oil is southwestern Pennsylvania's only biodiesel producer, there are two others in the commonwealth: Shiremanstown-based Keystone Biofuels and Middletown-based Agra Biofuels.
40 million gallons of biodiesel production is expected to come on line over the next year in Pennsylvania, as other small energy companies increase production.
"The market is tremendous for biofuels right now," said Kurt Knaus of the state Department of Environmental Protection.
High gas prices and environmental concerns have led to an increased interest in biodiesel.
At the state level, Governor Ed Rendell and legislators are working to encourage the development and use of biodiesel.
To read more about United Oil and the biodiesel fuel market, click
here.