Great Lakes Biodiesel Inc. (GLB) says it is finishing the construction of Canada's largest biodiesel plant and is planning to initiate operations at the facility this fall.

Located in Welland, Ontario, the plant will have a production capacity of about 45 million gallons a year, the company says. The biodiesel will be made from vegetable oils - specifically canola and soybean crops - using production equipment from the Desmet Ballestra Group.

"We see great potential for biodiesel in the province through the proven environmental benefits from lower emissions and the opportunities it brings through expanded markets to our 28,000 farmer members," says Barry Senft, CEO of trade group the Grain Farmers of Ontario.

GLB notes that its facility is approved under the Government of Canada's ecoENERGY program.