Rex invests $9.2 million in ethanol venture

HARRISON TWP., Montgomery County — Rex American Resources Corp., a company that invests in alternative energy ventures, has completed its purchase of a 48 percent equity stake in NuGen Energy LLC.

The company said Wednesday, July 14, it paid $9.2 million for the equity position in South Dakota-based NuGen, according to a news release. In addition, Rex said it has committed to invest up to another $6.5 million in the future based on NuGen’s profitability.

Rex used internal cash to fund the acquisition, the release states.

NuGen Energy operates an ethanol plant in Marion, S.D., with a 100 million gallon capacity, Rex executives said.

“The NuGen investment furthers Rex’s strategy to prudently deploy its strong balance sheet for new investments in ethanol production facilities or other attractively valued renewable resources or industrial project opportunities,” Stuart Rose, Rex’s chief executive, said in a statement.

Rex previously operated as Rex Stores Corp. Shareholders approved a name change in June to more accurately reflect the company’s focus on investing in alternative energy projects.