Sweet smell of success, or is that fries?

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - Every business looks for a trademark, and Matthew Danchanko has spent five years toiling to make quality the mark of his general contracting company in Johnstown.

But since last week, the most discernible quality of Danchanko Inc. might be that its dump truck smells like french fries.

With diesel costs climbing locally to nearly $4.90 a gallon, Danchanko began researching biodiesel and invested about $3,500 in the equipment and supplies he needed. Biodiesel is made through a process of straining used cooking oil - procured from restaurants for a small fee - that is mixed with select additives.

"It's actually running better," Danchanko said of his dump truck, which got 8 or 9 miles per gallon on traditional diesel. He isn't certain what mileage he will get using the biodiesel, but it won't take much to make the savings worthwhile.

He produced his first batch for about $1.20 a gallon. Since Danchanko uses about 100 gallons of fuel per week, he could save as much as $370 weekly.

"I heard about it and decided to do some research," Danchanko said. "When I looked over everything, I thought it was worth a try."

While Danchanko expected savings, he didn't expect the interest he has stirred from the community. He said he had fielded phone calls from dozens of companies and even individuals wanting to learn more about the process.

As a result, Danchanko is considering offering a general information session. If there is enough interest, he might even make another investment.

"If there is an influx of interested people, I can purchase the dealership rights and sell the kits throughout the state," Danchanko said.

"There are a lot of people who are interested, but it's hard to say how many people will really want to follow through with producing their own."