A sugar mill, with an associated ethanol plant, experienced an explosion and subsequent fire.

Ben Schrader was retained to evaluate independently the Business Interruption (BI) portion of an insurance claim which was based on damages related to the fire and subsequent shutdown of plant process equipment.

Relevant engineering, production, and maintenance data were examined and was followed by a site visit. The on-site visit included (1) inspecting the fields where the sugar cane was harvested, (2) observing the harvesting process, (3) assessing the cane crushing and ethanol production operations, and (4) interviewing key management and technical personnel.

Mr. Schrader utilized his knowledge concerning loss production opportunity (LPO) calculations, production facility operations, and equipment utilization and reliability to form opinions concerning any potential business interruption losses related to the fire. His findings and opinions were detailed in an expert report. During subsequent meetings between the affected parties, the case was settled.