August 18, 2023
Notice of full repayment of CZK 2.1 billion Czech bonds
Liberty One Methanol LLC, part of KKCG, announces that it has repaid in full its bonds to the value of CZK 2,100,000,000 on 3 August 2023, prior to reaching full maturity on 23 October 2023.
The bonds were issued on 23 October 2018, secured by a financial guarantee issued by KKCG, to fund the construction of US Methanol, a facility in Institute, West Virginia which opened earlier this year and is expected to produce 200,000 metric tons of high-quality methanol annually.
The bonds were refinanced by a loan from WhiteHorse Capital, a US-based institution, and reflect the successful transition of the US Methanol plant in Dunbar from construction to operations.
April 25, 2023
KKCG and US Methanol Celebrate the First Methanol Manufacturing Facility in West Virginia
KKCG and US Methanol LLC co-hosted an event to mark the completion and successful opening of West Virginia’s first methanol production facility, located in the Institute Industrial Complex, located in the Kanawha Valley.
The manufacturing facility is expected to produce 200,000 metric tons of high-quality methanol annually to customers in West Virginia and the surrounding states. Methanol is a key component used to manufacture various consumer products, including electronics and medicine. With an investment of more than $250 million, the facility creates more than 50 new, high-quality industrial jobs in West Virginia.
US Methanol was founded by KKCG in 2016, recognizing West Virginia’s strong credentials as a competitive manufacturing location, underpinned by abundant natural resources, pre-existing infrastructure, a pro-business environment, and local know-how.
The opening of this facility signals KKCG’s commitment to providing investment into the region and supporting the local communities in which it operates.
Celebrating Success
To celebrate this milestone, KKCG and US Methanol hosted an event at West Virginia State University. The event featured keynote remarks and a panel discussion with relevant business leaders, elected officials, and academics to explore ways to achieve lasting and sustainable economic growth in West Virginia.
Event speakers and panelists included:
Governor Jim Justice, West Virginia
Senator Joe Manchin
Senator Shelley Moore Capito
Congresswoman Carol Miller
Karel Komárek, KKCG, Founder & Chairman
Katarina Kohlmayer, KKCG, Chief Financial Officer
Michael L. Walsh, US Methanol, Chief Executive Officer
Ericke Cage, President of West Virginia State University
W. Kent Carper, President of the Kanawha County Commission
Rebecca McPhail, President of the West Virginia Manufacturers Association
Karel Komárek, Founder & Chairman of KKCG, commented:
“Our investment in US Methanol is a testament to our belief in the potential of West Virginia's economy. We trust that the plant will benefit the local community and state, creating new jobs and opportunities for growth.”
Joe Manchin, U.S. Senator from West Virginia, commented:
“I want to thank KKCG, Karel [Komárek], and his entire team for their commitment and investment, and the opportunity that he has given us to show what a good partner the state of West Virginia will be.”
Liberty One Methanol Update
Liberty One Methanol is fully operational
Liberty One ground breaking
Congratulations to US Methanol on its groundbreaking ceremony for the company’s methanol production plant: Liberty One in Institute.
The company will begin construction this fall. The Liberty One is being relocated from Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. The plant will produce approximately 200,000 metric tons of methanol per year and create approximately 50 permanent jobs.
