Argentine ethanol producer, Porta Hnos S.A. (“Porta”), has signed a letter of intent to become the exclusive licensee of Gevo’s GIFT® in Argentina to produce renewable isobutanol. Porta is a 132 year old family owned company in Argentina that produces liquor, vinegars and has a 120 m3/day corn ethanol plant.

In addition, Porta has designed and built two 250 m3/day ethanol plants for others and they are working on 2 more ethanol plants for 2014. Half of all current ethanol plants in Argentina were designed by Porta, and they have a joint venture with Alpha Laval to provide separation and evaporation expertise. The company said it wants to expand its footprint on high-value renewable alcohols like isobutanol.