DALLAS, April 7, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alon USA Energy, Inc. ("Alon") today announced that an asphalt tank fire had temporarily affected the re-start of its Big Spring refinery. The tank fire was quickly controlled and charge to the crude unit was suspended as a precautionary measure. The refinery's reformer continues to operate and re-start of the crude unit could begin as early as Tuesday. The asphalt tank is located in an isolated area away from the refinery's process units and all re-construction work on the refinery is continuing as planned.
"I continue to be pleased by our progress. We knew the re-start process would be challenging and I commend again the commitment shown by my colleagues. We will continue the re-start and our rebuild work as planned," said Jeff Morris, President and CEO of Alon.
Alon's Big Spring refinery is located 290 miles west of Dallas in West Central Texas. It employs approximately 170 people and is one of four Alon refineries.
About Alon USA Energy, Inc.
Alon USA Energy, Inc., headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is an independent refiner and marketer of petroleum products, operating primarily in the South Central, Southwestern and Western regions of the United States. The Company owns and operates four sour and heavy crude oil refineries in Texas, California and Oregon, with an aggregate crude oil throughput capacity of approximately 170,000 barrels per day. Alon markets gasoline and diesel products under the FINA brand name and is a leading producer of asphalt. Alon also operates more than 300 convenience stores in West Texas and New Mexico primarily under the 7-Eleven and FINA brand names and supplies motor fuels to these stores from its Big Spring refinery. In addition, Alon supplies approximately 800 additional FINA branded locations.
Any statements in this press release that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect Alon's current expectations regarding future events, results or outcomes, including Alon's expectations regarding the potential damages and planned repairs to the Big Spring refinery. Such statements are based upon current beliefs and expectations of Alon's management and are subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond Alon's control, which could result in Alon's expectations not being realized. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release because of a variety of factors.
Contacts: Claire A. Hart, Senior Vice President Alon USA Energy, Inc. 972-367-3649 Investors: Jack Lascar/Sheila Stuewe DRG&E / 713-529-6600 Media: Blake Lewis Lewis Public Relations 214-269-2093 Ruth Sheetrit SMG Public Relations 011-972-547-555551
