Pacific Biodiesel President Bob King and Director of Operations Jenna Long are flanked by some members of the Hawaii Island team in celebration of National Manufacturing Day, October 7.

Celebrated each year on the first Friday in October, National Manufacturing Day represents “manufacturing’s biggest annual opportunity to inspire the next generation, positively shift perceptions about our industry, and build the foundation for the manufacturing workforce of the future,” according to The Manufacturing Institute.

National Manufacturing Day in 2023 marked some important milestones for Pacific Biodiesel:

  • In Hawaii, Pacific Biodiesel has been the only commercial producer of biodiesel for nearly 30 years – manufacturing its 100% renewable fuel that’s sold entirely in the island state.
  • With the company’s Hawaii Island refinery beginning fuel production in 2013, this year marks a decade of producing premium distilled biodiesel at that facility.
  • Pacific Biodiesel is on target to meet or exceed its production goal this year, which will result in the production of nearly 50 million gallons of biodiesel at the Hawaii Island refinery in the past 10 years – the energy equivalent of nearly 725,000 Megawatt hours (725 Gigawatt hours) of clean electricity for Hawaii!

“We couldn’t have done it without each and every one of you,” wrote Co-Founders Bob and Kelly King in a letter to each employee.  A local grocery store gift card was included with each letter in appreciation for the team effort that resulted in the company’s achievements. Teams on Oahu, Maui and Hawaii Island gathered for pictures to help celebrate National Manufacturing Day.

Various department representatives on Oahu give a “shaka shoutout” on National Manufacturing Day.

Employees at the Keaʻau refinery’s operations control room celebrate the day.

Administrative and marketing teams on Maui gather around company Co-Founders Bob and Kelly King.