Reflections on FEW 2026 and the Future of Ethanol Production
The ProQuip team recently returned from the 2026 International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo (FEW) in St. Louis, and we want to thank everyone who stopped by our booth, shared insights, and discussed the opportunities and challenges facing today’s ethanol producers.
One of the most encouraging takeaways from this year’s event was the number of producers and engineering firms who shared plans for upcoming plant expansions and capital projects. Many indicated they expect expansion activity within the next six to twelve months and looked forward to ProQuip’s participation in those projects a they move forward.
We were especially grateful to hear consistent feedback about what customers value most in working with ProQuip: dependable equipment, responsive service, and clear communication throughout the project lifecycle. Several attendees noted that they appreciate knowing they can count on our team to provide timely updates and answers whenever information is needed. Those conversations reinforced the importance of the long-term relationships we have built within the ethanol industry and our commitment to supporting customers long after equipment is delivered.
The ProQuip booth at the 2026 Fuel Ethanol Workshop
For more than 50 years, ProQuip has been a leading provider of custom-engineered mixing solutions for the ethanol industry and other demanding industrial applications. Our team works closely with ethanol producers to design agitator systems that deliver reliable performance, process consistency, and long equipment life in challenging operating environments.
Whether supporting a new project, plant expansion, equipment upgrade, or ongoing operational improvements, ProQuip offers the engineering expertise and application knowledge needed to help ethanol producers meet their production goals.
The State of the Ethanol Industry
One of the strongest messages from FEW 2026 was that ethanol producers are pursuing higher efficiency, lower carbon intensity, and greater operational reliability. While much of the discussion centered on AI, advanced process control, and carbon management, achieving these goals still depends on reliable process equipment throughout the plant.
For ProQuip, these trends reinforce the importance of optimized mixing systems in fermentation, chemical processing, coproduct production, and emerging renewable fuel applications. Proper agitator design can improve process consistency, support energy efficiency initiatives, and help plants maximize production while reducing maintenance costs.
As ethanol facilities continue to diversify into sustainable aviation fuel feedstocks, carbon reduction projects, and new bioproduct opportunities, demand will grow for equipment that delivers dependable performance, long service life, and measurable process improvements. FEW 2026 made it clear that innovation is not limited to software and analytics—it also includes the mechanical systems that keep plants running efficiently every day.
Looking Ahead
The discussions throughout FEW 2026 demonstrated that the future of ethanol will be shaped by a combination of digital technologies, sustainability initiatives, and proven process engineering. For suppliers such as ProQuip, these industry trends create opportunities to help producers improve mixing performance, optimize operations, and support the next generation of renewable fuel production.
The enthusiasm and industry momentum on display at FEW 2026 were encouraging reminders of the important role ethanol continues to play in the evolving energy landscape. We are proud to support this industry and look forward to helping ethanol producers tackle the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Thank you again to everyone who visited with us at FEW. We look forward to continuing the conversation.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
To speak with a ProQuip engineer about your mixing needs, contact us at applications@proquipinc.com or 1-330-468-1850.
