Michigan has five corn ethanol refineries. Ethanol is an alcohol based fuel made from corn, and production of ethanol is largely dependent on the weather. Last year's drought negatively impacted corn crops, however, the ethanol industry is leveling off, according to Capital News Service, and looking to recover from its first decline in 15 years.

In 2008 it appeared there would be six additional ethanol refiniries, but ultimately the demand for ethanol in Michigan did not justify 11 total facilities. Currently, the operating plants are in Riga Township, Albion, Caro, Marysville, and Lake Odessa. Generally they have 40-50 employees, each with a capacity between 50-60 million gallons per year. Total ethanol production in the state is approximately 240 million gallons per year.