With the shifting trade economy driving Canadians to support local, businesses that manufacture and sell within the country are being rewarded. That has been proven locally with the success of Kawartha Ethanol, a company that has made major waves in The Kawarthas.
Under its parent company Drain Bros, owned by Darryl Drain, Kawartha Ethanol is a leading producer of fuel-grade ethanol and high-quality alcohol products located in the Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, one of eight townships in Peterborough County. The parent company, which is the leading provider of aggregates, asphalt, and professional site construction services in the Kawarthas, was founded in 1971 and employs a team of more than 400 employees across several associated companies.
Kawartha Ethanol began construction of its plant just east of Havelock in 2007 and began producing environmentally friendly fuel-grade ethanol by 2010. The ethanol is sold and distributed through major oil and fuel companies in Ontario and Quebec, including many local businesses.
In 2020, Kawartha Ethanol expanded the plant and, in 2022, began producing high-quality alcohol and grain natural spirit (GNS), which is now marketed under the Kawartha Premium Alcohols brand. This high-quality alcohol is shipped around the world, though the majority of sales are within Canada.
To optimize efficiency and ensure consistency in the product, Kawartha Ethanol controls all aspects of the production process. Corn is grown both directly through Kawartha Ethanol and acquired through an affiliated company, St. Lawrence Grains & Farm Supply Ltd. in Stouffville, which is a fully licensed grain elevator and dealer that sources corn from several local farms.
For many years, Kawartha Ethanol has also worked closely with Siemens Canada in Peterborough to leverage their cutting-edge automation, instrumentation, and digitalization technologies. The company works with several other local contractors and vendors for maintenance, supplies, spare parts, and third-party testing.
Kawartha Ethanol also works alongside local farmers by selling all co-products of the distillation process, especially the wet and dry distiller grains that stay in The Kawarthas to provide a high source of protein to livestock.
With so many aspects to the business, Kawartha Ethanol provides employment to many local residents in The Kawarthas. Currently there are 46 employees within the company who each reside within an hour of the plant.
By partnering with local suppliers and customers, Kawartha Ethanol is in the unique position of benefiting from trade tariffs. As Canadian companies look locally to avoid import duties, Kawartha Ethanol has gained more customers across the country who are seeking to acquire locally produced ethanol. This gain proves the success that can be achieved when businesses grow in partnership with their local community.
To learn more about Kawartha Ethanol, visit kawarthaethanol.ca.
The Local Advantage in Peterborough County is a branded editorial feature series about locally owned independent businesses in Peterborough County, created in partnership with Peterborough County’s Economic Development & Tourism Division.
As part of its response to the impact of U.S. tariffs, Peterborough County is showcasing the many unique businesses located in the county, both by sharing their stories of success and how they support both residents and other businesses in their communities.
Whether by shopping at local businesses, dining at local restaurants, staying at local accommodation, or enjoying local experiences, residents and visitors can enhance the economic resilience of Peterborough County during these challenging times and help establish a sustainable foundation for the future.
For more information about economic development and tourism in Peterborough County, visit www.ptbocounty.ca/ecdev and The Kawarthas Tourism at thekawarthas.ca.
