Grafton, N.D. (AP) The manager of the Alchem ethanol plant at Grafton says it should reopen by early May.

The factory has been shut down since October because of lower ethanol prices and higher Corn prices.

Manager Kevin Rauser says ethanol prices have been improving.

The Grafton factory makes about ten million gallons of ethanol each year.

Thirty-two people work at the ethanol plant, and Rauser says he's expecting the work force to go down by four or five people to cut costs.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 12-17-07 0635CST | save this article / add to your favorites list