Just as a shop manual provides a guide to vehicle repair and maintenance, the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board (WSMB) is collaborating with fuel consulting company MEG Corp to ensure that the future mechanics holding those manuals have the tools required to be successful.  

“By partnering with MEG Corp, WSMB is not just investing in the future of mechanics; we are igniting a passion for innovation and skill development that will empower the next generation to drive the biodiesel industry forward,” said Jonathan Gibbs, WSMB president. 

MEG Corp, a Minnesota-based company that provides product solutions, testing services and fuel consulting, provides expertise to fuel distributors, fleets, mechanics and others who utilize fuel in their operations.  

With checkoff support, the company hosted its third diesel mechanic training for college students across Wisconsin, teaching students at Northwood Technical College in New Richmond, Madison College and Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire.  

“We are educating future diesel technicians about diesel and biodiesel to be accepting and supportive of their customer’s biodiesel use,” said Lisa Pedderson, director of operations at MEG Corp. “We have had past students go on to be decision-makers in fleet management and encourage biodiesel use in their fleets.” 

While it’s still in its beginning stage in Wisconsin, MEG Corp has trained nearly 200 students across the state since 2022. Classes range from 12-40 students covering a variety of topics in mechanics, including fuel from crude oil, history of diesel, biodiesel 101, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), common diesel issues and cold weather operability.  

Both instructors and students found the classes to be beneficial with interest for it to return next year. Survey results following the training found all three instructors rated the training as excellent and all students involved described the workshop as good or excellent.  

“We’re proud to partner with MEG Corp on solidifying a successful future for the biodiesel industry and are looking forward to seeing this training grow in Wisconsin,” Gibbs said.