Co-Alliance acquires propane businesses

Indianapolis-based Co-Alliance Cooperative Inc. has acquired Plymouth LP Gas Corp. and Rochester LP Gas Corp., though financial details were not disclosed. The acquired businesses provide residential, light commercial, and industrial propane service to customers in northern Indiana.

Co-Alliance, a farmer-owned agriculture and energy cooperative, provides delivery of propane, heating oil, liquid fuels, lubricants and other petroleum products as part of its operations.

The co-op said its northern Indiana propane operations are adjacent to the trade areas for Plymouth and Rochester LP Gas, which will create customer service synergies.

“My father started these two propane businesses in 1954, and their focus has always been about family. We wanted to sell our companies to someone who would build on our legacy,” Plymouth LP Gas and Rochester LP Gas owner Debra Buchtel said in written remarks. “We knew Co-Alliance had the same values, and we appreciate the way they operate. They established themselves in this community several years ago, and they have always been respectful of our business.”

Todd Masten, vice president of energy for Co-Alliance, said Plymouth and Rochester LP Gas customers will receive the same service they are accustomed to.

Co-Alliance said it would bring on the acquired businesses’ employees, though a specific number was not provided. The company did not respond to a request for more information from Inside INdiana Business.

The acquisitions continue growth for Co-Alliance, which merged with Harvest Land Cooperative in Richmond in January 2021. Just over a year later, the co-op announced it was relocated its headquarters from Avon to Indianapolis.

Last November, Co-Alliance broke ground on a $15 million expansion of its facility in Henry County in order to more efficiently distribute farm chemicals to producers.