CROWLEY - Representatives from foreign countries, from companies within the U.S. and local and area representatives had a luncheon and toured the soon to be opened Cleco/ULL Biofuels Plant. Members of similar companies from overseas (France, Canada and Belgium had representatives on hand) to view and study the innovative plant which will enable fuel to be created from items such as wood chips, manure, weeds among many other sources.

“We are here to discuss making biofuels which will be a major part of the future,” said Phillipe Gustin a native of France. “I guess it’s a green table conference of sorts. We are trying to figure out ways we can work together to facilitate our research.”

District 42 State Representative Jack Montoucet, who was instrumental in helping to bring the plantt to Crowley, was also on hand. Needless to say he was quite proud the facility.

“We already have people here from France, Canada and Belgium studying our process and taking notes to compare it with what they have.

“To think this all started so recently, “ he said. “That his office and the entire plant being near completion I can’t wait to see this up and running. “

“I hope the international trade managers work closely with the team we have here and we can develop an ongoing relationship with the people we have met,” said Christophe Pilut, also a visitor from France.

However, the person with the biggest smile on his face Wednesday was Dr. Mark Zappi, Dean of the ULL Engineering Department who has been working on the project from the beginning and is finally about to see it reach completion.

“I want to make Acadiana a hub for biofuels,” he said. “Today was mostly a conference between other experts in the field from around the country and world. I’m so ready to see this thing in action.”