Associated Press - November 21, 2009 8:05 AM ET

HASTINGS, Neb. (AP) - Chief Ethanol Fuels in Hastings - Nebraska first fuel ethanol plant - is celebrating a milestone.

The plant will hold an open house on Monday to mark its 25th year of operation. U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson will serve as the keynote speaker at the event.

Since 1984, several expansions have occurred and production capacity has increased from 10 million gallons a year to about 70 million gallons a year.

Corn consumption at the plant has grown from 4 million bushels a year to more than 25 million bushels annually.

The plant also produces distillers grains, a byproduct of ethanol production that is fed to cattle.

The plant employs about 60 full-time workers.

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