Guardian Energy– a joint venture between ethanol plants in Little Falls, Benson, Claremont, and Winthrop, Minnesota as well as Mason City, Iowa and Minden, Nebraska – purchased the 100 million gallon per year ethanol plant in Janesville.  “As locally-owned and operated facilities, we are proud to continue the tradition of local ownership and excited about the economic opportunities this plant will bring to Janesville and the entire southern Minnesota community,” said Ben Brown, CEO of Heartland Corn Products and Secretary of Guardian’s Board.  Specifically, Guardian Energy LLC is the cooperative effort of 6 midwest farmer owned ethanol plants. These plants believe the economic benefits of producing ethanol should stay in the local communities which has been key to the success of each of the member plants involved in Guardian Energy. Guardian Energy negotiated with the banks holding the Janesville facility, and their negotiations led to the successful close and transfer of ownership to Guardian Energy on September 23, 2009.