Thorntons Inc. has teamed with Growth Energy to establish 20 new E85 stations in five states.

“We are very excited about the expansion of E85 fuel in our stores,” said Matt Thornton, CEO of Thorntons, which operates more than 160 c-stores in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. “We support the use of ethanol, wherever it is economically available.”

The expansion is made possible as Thorntons is now a part of Growth Energy’s 2010 E85 and Blender Pump Program, where funds are provided to retailers to establish mid and high level blend infrastructure throughout the country. More than 60 new mid and high level blend sites have been provided financial support in 2010.

“It’s exciting to know that Thorntons, one of the largest gasoline retailers, is working to establish such a large network of E85 fueling stations,” said CEO of Growth Energy, Tom Buis. “We are delighted to collaborate with them and commend Thorntons on their leadership of promoting this clean burning, alternative fuel.”

E85 pumps are expected to be opened within the next few months at Thorntons convenience stores in Island Lake, Volo, Lakemoor, Third Lake, and Woodale in Illinois; Terre Haute, Evansville, and Greenwood in Indiana; Lexington, and two in Louisville, Ky.; Galloway, two in Columbus, Canal Winchester, Hamilton, Cincinnati and Fairfield, Ohio; and Lebanon, Tenn.

“We are pleased to partner with Growth Energy on the expansion and promotion, and appreciate their financial support of the expansion of our E85 fuel offerings,” noted Thornton.

Fuel retailers with an interest in establishing mid and high level blend ethanol dispensing facilities can contact Growth Energy to determine eligibility for support.