Our Story
Founded in 2008, Cardinal Ethanol grew from a commitment to unlock the value in American agriculture. What began as a community-focused ethanol producer has evolved into a multi-product operation serving livestock producers, fuel blenders, and food manufacturers across the region.
Our growth reflects our core belief: that agricultural innovation strengthens rural communities and advances American energy independence. By efficiently processing corn into fuel-grade ethanol and high-value co-products, we maximize value for our farmer-partners while supporting the industries that depend on us.
Our Mission, Vision & Values
Mission
Cardinal Ethanol transforms local crops into value-added, Earth friendly products while enhancing the local marketplace, collaborating with the renewable bio-energy and agriculture industries, enriching our communities, all the while providing value and opportunity to the lives we touch.
Vision
Cardinal Ethanol will remain an elite operator in the renewable energy industry. Through a focus on people, efficiency, quality, and energy, we will operate at industry leading yields, optimal staffing, and low energy consumption, constantly striving to maximize our resources. We will capitalize on our strategic proximity to crops, market destinations, and rail access. We will promote our flexible manufacturing operations and low carbon score index to capitalize on access to niche markets and credits. We expect our facilities to be the standard of excellence. Company growth will be achieved through process improvement, leveraging innovation for efficiency and expanding our footprint. Cardinal Ethanol will remain committed to our hometown values.
Our Values
Safety
Our employees’ safety is more than a priority – it is a fundamental responsibility.
Excellence
We are dedicated to continuous improvement and innovation, striving for excellence in all areas. Our commitment to growth, learning, and adaptation requires superior service and quality. We operate efficiently, constantly upgrading our facilities and processes to achieve the highest results.
Accountability
We take ownership of our actions and outcomes, holding ourselves accountable to each other, our community, and our shareholders. We are committed to ethical behavior in every aspect of our business, taking responsibility for our actions and decisions.
Teamwork
Success is achieved through collaboration and working together. We are a team of individuals united by a shared objective. We foster open communication with our employees, partners, and community. We believe in treating everyone with respect, fairness, integrity, and honesty in every interaction.
History
Cardinal Ethanol formed to serve Indiana farmers.
Construction began by Fagen, Inc. for a 100 MMgy plant near Harrisville, Indiana.
Union City plant commences operations (100 MMgy).
Additional 750,000 bushel bin installed increasing corn capacity by 75%.
Second 750,000 bushel bin installed increasing total corn capacity to 2.5 million bushels.
Additional two 750,000 bushel bins installed increasing corn capacity to 4 million bushels.
Added additional fermenters and cooling capacity for the ability to push towards an ethanol production of 140 MMgy.
Installation of the corn dryer and additional bins to increase fall corn origination directly from the field.
Cardinal Ethanol, located at the northwest corner of U.S. Highway 32 and Road 600 East near Union City, celebrated production of its 1 billionth gallon of ethanol since the plant began operations 10 years ago.
Establishment of the Trading Division to optimize grain procurement and increase revenue through merchandising soybeans.
In a new contract signed with ICM, Cardinal Ethanol LLC will be the latest plant to implement ICM’s proprietary Advanced Processing Package™
Formation of “One Carbon Partnership” JV with Vault 44.01 for carbon capture and sequestration.
Cardinal commences the new APP expansion producing a 50% protein feed.
Acquisition of the Colwich, Kansas facility, expanding total capacity to over 200 million gallons and diversifying our geographic risk profile.
Union City facility hits 2 billion gallons produced!
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved a permit for Cardinal Ethanol’s carbon sequestration project, allowing the injection and storage of up to 450,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually in Randolph County, Indiana.
Leadership Team
Tom Ranallo, President & CEO
Bill Dartt, CFO
Rick Vondra, COO
Casey Bruns, Director, Commodity Strategy & Supply Chain
Carol Sample, Director, People Operations
Union City Indiana
Ashleigh Lawrence, Controller
Chad Lindow, Process Manager
Brian McEldowney, Maintenance Manager
Chris Tucker, Grain Operations Manager
Deanne McElhany, EH&S Manager
Colwich Kansas
Pat Ball, Plant Manager
Kenneth (Matt) Myhren, Process Manager
Gene Serres, Maintenance Manager
Kenny West, Logistics Manager
Thomas Rogers, EH&S Manager
Larissa Fussell, Lab Manager
Nathan Lechtenberg, Engineer
Board of Directors
Robert Davis, Chairman
Thomas Chalfant, Vice-Chairman
Thomas Chronister, Secretary
Robert Baker
David Dersch Jr.
Bill Garth
Danny Huston
Adam Kline
Lewis Roch
Daniel Sailer
Dale Schwieterman
Chad Smith
Steven Snider
Phil Zicht
Commitment to Sustainability
Building a More Sustainable Energy Future
Cardinal Ethanol’s renewable fuel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 50–65%, depends on the scale or model used, compared to conventional gasoline, contributing to cleaner air and a stronger climate outlook.
Our co-products—DDGS and corn oil—represent efficient use of agricultural resources, eliminating waste and extending value throughout the supply chain. By optimizing corn processing, we help livestock producers manage feed costs while reducing resource consumption.
Cardinal is committed to advancing low-carbon fuel solutions and supporting the renewable energy transition that strengthens American agriculture and energy security.
