How did BioFuels Automation become the leading expert in ethanol processing?
MCE Swanson Flo, parent company of Biofuels Automation, has been a trusted name in industrial process automation for over 60 years. Founded in Minnesota and steadily expanding across the Midwest, we’ve carved out our place in a specialized niche—providing advanced instrumentation and valve solutions for industries that measure and control flow, pressure, temperature, level, density, proof and liquid analytics.
In the 1990s, the birth of the dry grind ethanol industry and Minnesota’s progressive fuel policies complemented our strong agricultural ties and deep understanding of process automation. So, we transformed part of our business, becoming a driving force in the now booming biofuels sector. Our expertise and strategic location earned more than 80% of the automation business for early ethanol plants—including massive multi-million-dollar projects that helped define the future of U.S. fuel.
Biofuels Automation is Swanson Flo’s dedicated business unit branded to reflect our commitment to the renewable fuels industry, while supplying equipment and support to ethanol plants.
In other words, we are the original ethanol automation expert.
The Rise of Ethanol Plants in the U.S.
For many years, suppliers relied heavily on a fuel additive known as MTBE (methyl-tertiary butyl ether) to boost octane. MTBE was valued for its energy, oxygen content, and high octane but was found to leak from underground storage tanks, contaminating groundwater. These findings initially led to 19 states banning MTBE from 2000-2006 before it was banned nationwide.
Minnesota—a major corn producer—enacted policy changes that gave financial incentives for local ethanol plant development, giving way to today’s growing ethanol market.
Today, we service many of the 175 active ethanol plants in the U.S., mainly located in the Corn Belt.
Unlike the wet mill process (which separates the corn into components first), dry grind uses the whole kernel—making it faster and generally more cost-effective for production of fuel ethanol and animal feed. While dry grind is more efficient, it’s not without its challenges.
Many ethanol plants are automating and optimizing processes to improve efficiency, increase ethanol and corn oil production, and reduce energy usage. And since there haven’t been new ethanol plants built in recent years, much of that optimization is focused on expanding the capabilities of existing plants.
This means improving efficiency, increasing yield and profitability—while staying compliant with safety and environmental standards. However, a few key challenges often make this difficult:
Who do you want by your side for process optimization? Do you want a transactional vendor or a collaborative partner who is insight-driven and outcome-focused?
With over 25 years of experience focused solely on dry grind ethanol plants, BioFuels Automation is more than a supplier—we’re a dedicated partner in driving efficiency, yield, and compliance. Because we already support most of the equipment installed in U.S. ethanol facilities, we’re the logical choice for plants looking to upgrade, add-on, or modernize.
Whether you're increasing ethanol yield, recovering more corn oil, or planning a digital transformation, we bring deep application knowledge, plant-specific insight, and hands-on technical support.
No two plants are alike—and neither are our solutions. We offer:
BioFuels Automation technicians support plants during critical outages, shutdowns, and commissioning periods:
Proactive maintenance and strategic inventory support keep your plant running with minimal disruption:
With BioFuels Automation, you’re not just getting parts and equipment—you’re getting a committed partner who understands the unique demands of ethanol production and is ready to support your team at every step.
Since 2007, we’ve developed over 700 ethanol maintenance technicians through this program and continue to enroll new students every day. Our aim is to address the shortage of qualified technicians in rural regions, a crucial factor in plant success.
Our classes focus on maintaining and troubleshooting automation equipment such as valves, transmitters, flow meters, and more. Classes are offered in our training center or on-site at your facility, customized to your application and product lines. Learn more about BioFuels Automation University.
You don’t have time for trial and error. You need solutions that work.
If you’re looking to improve the profitability and efficiency of your plant, look to the experts. Generalist industrial suppliers can’t compete with over 25 years of plant-specific expertise. By partnering with BioFuels Automation, you can rest easily knowing you have the specialized support your plant requires, the kind you only get from decades in the field.
Reach out to schedule a comprehensive site review or discuss an upcoming optimization project.