Little Canada, Sept 18 - Minnoco announced today an expansion program that will bring more of the locally owned fuel retail outlets to the Twin Cities area. After successful introduction of four retail outlets during the fall of 2013, the retail group has identified another 18 locations planning to convert to the new brand, bringing the total to 24 outlets when completed.
“Our owners believe we have a competitive advantage by offering more fuel choices like E15 to consumers,” stated Lance Klatt, executive director for Minnoco. “Our new brand not only draws in consumers for more affordable fuels but is also a great business model for retailers.”
Leveraging existing convenience store and automotive repair locations in many cases, retail owners are moving away from a branded oil contract into the independent brand of Minnoco. “With Minnoco, I’m able to offer E15 as a more competitive fuel to my customers at a much lower price vs. regular,” explained Rick Bohnen, president of Minnoco and owner of Penn Minnoco. “This is a better business model for me because it significantly reduces my operational costs vs. branded fuels and I’m able to pass the savings on to consumers.”
In addition, Minnoco retailers have more freedom to offer biofuels that are grown and produced in Minnesota. Though the product offering will vary slightly by retail location, Minnoco will be offering E15, E30, E85 and diesel along with regular grades of gasoline.
“All of our regular 87 gas already contains 10% ethanol,” explained Jerry Charmoli, Minnoco owner and a mechanic for more than 30 years. “E15 is approved for vehicles 2001 and newer and we’ve had zero problems, in fact my customers love the cost savings and extra performance.”
“We also want to thank the Minnesota Corn Growers Association and Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Growth Energy, Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association and the American Lung Association in Minnesota for helping us to make more biofuel choices available to our customers,” added Klatt.
MINNOCO (Minnesota Independent Oil Company) is a brand of gasoline developed for the members of the MSSA (Minnesota Service Station & Convenience Store Association) by the members of the MSSA. Allowing members of the Association the opportunity to own and control their own brand of fuel while offering alternative renewable fuels such as E85, E30, and E15, as well as diesel, 87, 89 and 91 octane fuels. For more information visit www.Minnoco.com.