Continental Refining Company is expanding its transmix operation in with the addition of a new Crude Unit in Somerset, Kentucky. The Curde Unit is designed to enhance crude oil processing and triple its transmix processing capabilities.

In addition the company is doubling its distillate hydrotreating operations to make more Ultra Low Sulfur On Road Diesel (ULSD). The company is purchasing new equipment, with both projects expected to be complete in the second quarter of 2016.

According to company officials, transmix is a type of fuel produced when different fuels mix together in the fuel distribution system. This fuel is more difficult to process than other types of fuel and cannot be sold without further processing. Transmix processors provide a valuable service in refining by preventing these mixtures of fuels from creating bottlenecks in the fuel distribution system.

The company is also using hydrotreating processes to remove impurities such as sulfur and nitrogen from distillate fuels. Continental Refining Company’s Premium High Cetane Diesel is a unique diesel blend that provides more productivity and less maintenance for engines.

“This new Crude Unit addition signifies exponential growth for Continental Refining Company. We will be able to expand our refinery’s capacity for processing transmix and ULSD on a large scale to better serve our customers,” said Demetrios Haseotes, Continental Refining Company CEO/President. “We are pleased to work with the City of Somerset and continue our progress into the future.”

This effort to increase production is supported by rail with the South Kentucky Economic Development Park, a 72-car public railroad facility in Ferguson, built to promote rail service for area businesses, as well as by Ohio River barge operations, which recently began operations and has been expanded to move the product to its Somerset refinery. Continental Refining Company has leased marine terminal space at CITGO Louisville Terminal in Louisville to receive and store product for the refinery operation.

In the fourth quarter 2016, Continental Refining Company is also doubling its naphtha hydrotreating capacity and gasoline-making operations. Naphtha hydrotreating is an important step for oil refiners to produce cleaner gasoline. In conjunction with this, the company is building a new 3500 bpd distillate hydrotreater, valued in the tens of millions, to process additional high sulfur distillate to make ULSD.

“We are excited that these projects will allow us to bring on new team members,” said Kris Gibson, Refinery Manager for Continental Refining Company. “We take great pride in our current team, and our company strives to support and strengthen the local community by creating new jobs. Continental Refining Company will potentially hire eight additional people during the coming months to grow our company for success in 2016.”