Celebrating 70 years of producing the fuels that move us forward, the Pine Bend refinery is a leading producer of transportation fuels and other products people need and use every day.

Pine Bend by the numbers

Refine 375,000 barrels of crude oil per day to produce gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, propane, asphalt and heating fuels

1,000+ employees and thousands of contractors annually at MN’s most active job site

Home to a 45-megawatt solar complex – the largest of its kind – to help power refinery operations

~70% fewer traditional criteria air emissions since 2000 while increasing production to meet demand


Pine Bend throughout history

In its 70-year history, Pine Bend has transformed from a 25,000 barrel per day refinery in 1955 to one of the most advanced facilities of its kind today. Pine Bend operates with cutting-edge leak detection technologies, the largest solar installation of its kind, a community-driven water-recycling system, and numerous other advancements. These advancements have allowed Pine Bend to produce more of the fuels and other products people need, while continually finding ways to use fewer resources and minimize emissions. Check milestones from the refinery’s history by clicking on the timeline.

PDF of Pine Bend Refinery 70th timeline


Celebrating 70 years of partnership

This spring, we gathered with more than a hundred of our community partners to celebrate our combined accomplishments. Together we have made a difference, helping students learn and reach their full potential, supporting first responders and public safety, and preserving habitat and supporting conservation efforts. Explore some of our signature partnerships and hear firsthand from our employees who are proud to support these organizations.


Senator Amy Klobuchar sends a congratulatory message in honor of 70 years.
Congresswoman Angie Craig celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Pine Bend refinery.

 

Check out photos from the community partners event below, and view all the photos here!

Events


Community open house

Thank you to everyone who attended our Pine Bend refinery community open house on Saturday, August 2 to celebrate our 70th anniversary. Flint Hills Resources is committed to making a positive difference in the communities we call home, and we truly appreciate your support in celebrating this milestone with us. Check out photos from the community open house, and view all the photos here!

 


Retirees breakfast

Behind all the impressive infrastructure at the Pine Bend refinery there have been generations of workers who have helped operate, maintain and transform the refinery, making it one of the nation’s most innovative and efficient energy refineries. Thank you to our valued retirees who joined us for a celebratory breakfast event on Thursday, July 17. Check out photos from the retiree breakfast below, and view all the photos here!