Iowa Central Fuel Testing Laboratory to hold grand opening Feb. 7 for newly expanded facility

The expanded lab includes new cetane- and octane-rating engines along with several new pieces of equipment that will allow it to test sustainable aviation fuel. (Photo: Iowa Central Community College)

Iowa Central Community College is holding a grand opening of its new, state-of-the-art Fuel Testing Laboratory Feb. 7.

Gov. Kim Reynolds is planned as the featured speaker for the event.

Joining her as distinguished guests are Mike Naig, Iowa’s secretary of agriculture, Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa, and others.  

“Our new facility represents an incredible journey from our humble beginnings on campus to this new, built-for-purpose industrial laboratory space—but none of this could’ve been possible without the dedication of my team, past and present, to make this a successful and self-sustaining business within the college,” said Lab Director Don Heck. “We are also grateful for the many loyal clients that have supported our mission and built strong relationships with us over the years. We look forward to many years of continued support from the college and surrounding community, and the entire fuels industry.”

Photo: Iowa Central Community College

Iowa Central Fuel Testing Laboratory said this new facility represents a major step forward in its commitment to meeting the needs of the renewable fuel industry in Iowa and across the globe by providing state-of-the-art fuel testing and related services.

The expanded lab includes new cetane- and octane-rating engines along with several new pieces of equipment that will allow it to test sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

It will serve as a hub for innovation, reflecting the longstanding dedication of the Iowa Central Fuel Testing Laboratory to fostering progress and assuring quality in the renewable fuels sector.

“On behalf of Iowa Central Community College, we extend our greatest congratulations to the teams that have contributed to the opening of the expanded, state-of-the-art Iowa Central Fuel Testing Laboratory,” said Jesse Ulrich, the president of Iowa Central Community College, about the unveiling. “It is an honor for the college and the Fort Dodge community to be partners in supporting the Fuel Testing Laboratory as the lab continues to provide critical independent testing services to the renewable and sustainable fuel sectors. We will continue to support the renewable and biofuel sectors that contribute greatly to the economic strength of our region, state and nation.”

The grand opening will include remarks from the esteemed guests and tours of the new laboratory.

The Fort Dodge community is invited to celebrate the milestone and learn more about how this facility will contribute to an expanded renewable fuel future for the region, state and nation.  

The grand opening is scheduled to take place Friday, Feb. 7, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 1310 A Street West, Fort Dodge, Iowa.

Iowa Central Fuel Testing Laboratory serves the fuels industry with an emphasis on renewable fuels. 

Its clients include producers, marketers, laboratories, consultants, transportation organizations, research groups, consumers and more. 

In addition, Iowa State Code establishes the Iowa Central Fuel Testing Laboratory as the official fuel-testing facility for the Iowa Bureau of Weights and Measures.