Still, the factory is counting on some government incentives and subsidies, including a state program approved by state lawmakers that could provide it with up to $1.5 million in subsidies a year for three years, depending on how much ethanol the plant produces.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s administration also announced in April that it would provide a $250,000 grant to help the company produce ethanol.

McGenity said the plant is operating at about 55 percent capacity now and should be fully operational by the end of September.

He said 45 people are working at the plant, which operates around the clock. That includes plant operators and technicians, engineers and administration.

Corn delivered to the plant goes through a process lasting several days that involves fermenting and distillation, “just like you are brewing an alcohol,” McGenity said.

One byproduct is animal feed, which is mainly being sold to China now. The company wants to develop a local market for that.

A native of Liverpool, England, McGenity moved with his wife to the U.S. in January to get the factory operating.