Pellet Technology USA Has Become an Integral Part of the York County Farming Ecosystem
July 23, 2024
If you haven’t checked in with Pellet Technology USA recently, you might be surprised at how much they have grown in recent years. This company manufactures animal feed products for cow-calf producers across 22 states, with a primary customer base in Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. Pellet Tech works with ethanol refineries to purchase corn co-products, dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS), that they use to deliver nutrient-packed feed for America’s livestock.
“We did the math and found that we feed around one percent of the cow population in the United States,” says Ellie Antova, General Manager at Pellet Technology USA. “We hope York County can be proud of Pellet Tech.”
Learn how this company has become a powerhouse in York and a quality employer for the community.
Pellet Tech Has Developed a Diverse Line of Feed Products
Pellet Tech was founded in 2016 with the original plan of working with farmers to utilize their stover after the corn harvest. However, by 2018, the company had to change its business model and moved into feed manufacturing utilizing co-products from ethanol processors instead.
Ethanol plants traditionally sell their DDGS to animal producers, but the innovators at Pellet Tech transform that material and offer a convenient delivery mechanism into something better. PTUSA has developed several product lines in the form of cubes, pellets, and pressed tubs that are more handy for producers to handle. These products come in multiple sizes, such as bulk, super sacks, or 50-lb. bags, depending on your feed needs.
“Our products help livestock producers become more efficient,” says Antova. “They can feed their animals through the winter and during drought conditions when the grass isn’t there, or supplement in the summer months for optimal return on their investment.”
The products by Pellet Tech have a unique nutritional value than other feed supplements and producers can select what best suits their strategy with their cattle herd. For example, a rancher can buy plain DDGS high-protein cube or one with added vitamins and minerals.
Pellet Tech’s Growth Has Impacted the Local Community
Pellet Tech originally chose York County to establish its operations because of the large corn production in the area and the number of ethanol plants in the area. This location also puts them at the heart of sourcing feedstock for their product line and also close to their customer base, the cow-calf ranches.
“We are fortunate to have corn ethanol plants and corn farms in York, and it has been a good experience working here,” says Antova. “There are multiple ethanol plants in the state, and between seven to ten ethanol plants in Central Nebraska alone.”
Pellet Tech has spent more than $7 million in capital expenditures over the past four years, which has significantly impacted the local economy. Pellet Tech has several regional vendors, hires York County residents, and purchases equipment and supplies locally when possible.
“Pellet Tech has been steadily growing in the area for almost a decade now,” says Lisa Hurley, Executive Director of the York County Development Corporation (YCDC). “Residents might not realize the impact they have had on the community.”
York Residents Can Launch Their Careers With Pellet Tech
Pellet Tech produces more than 70,000 tons of feed annually, and this wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated staff who work there every day. Antova is proud to talk about the employees who started working at Pellet Tech in their early 20s and have established both their careers and personal relationships over the past eight years.
“Some of the employees we hired in 2016 are still with us,” says Antova. “We watched them get married and now they are having kids. It’s neat to see them grow up in the community.”
Employees hired for entry-level roles have opportunities to grow at Pellet Tech. They can develop new skills, receive training, and eventually step into advanced positions. What starts as a job becomes a career.
“We believe we’re a great company to work with,” says Antova. “We understand the value of employees and one of our core values is making sure they have a good work environment.”
Discover Other Top Employers in York County
York County is a hub for AgTech, with farmers and innovators working together to develop profitable, sustainable business models. Multiple employers like Pellet Tech see the value of hiring York residents and establishing their operations in the heart of corn country.
“At YCDC, we love highlighting York County businesses that develop unique products and impact the community in multiple positive ways,” says Hurley. “We’re excited to watch Pellet Tech grow in the coming years and support local residents, farmers, and livestock producers.”
Read other stories about York County employers on our news and media page. You can also become a YCDC member to stay on top of the latest changes and growth opportunities in the community. Have a voice in the future of York.