IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Grand Opening of Agrium Advanced Technologies’ New Madrid ESN Coating Operation
May 19, 2010
Release Date: May 10, 2010
NEW MADRID, Missouri (May 10, 2010)–- It’s a win-win situation all around with the introduction of Agrium Advanced Technologies’ newest coating operation in New Madrid, Missouri. The plant has become a new found source of jobs and revenue for the county, plus the product itself - ESN® - is a leading enhanced efficiency nitrogen fertilizer that helps growers increase their production value and reduce losses to the environment.
The official unveiling will take place on Wednesday, May 19 during a short press conference with Agrium’s management, industry experts and regional dignitaries followed by tours of the plant. The facility sits on a beautiful location, right next to the Mississippi River and just south of New Madrid off Hwy 406.
"We are very excited to showcase this facility to our invited guests, including all our key customers as well as the local community. New Madrid was selected due to its great access to markets, its skilled workforce and its location on the Mississippi, making it ideally suited for our business," said Andrew Mittag, president, Agrium Advanced Technologies.
The ESN plant currently employs 18 people, with the expectation that number will grow with the anticipated demand this unique fertilizer product will bring.
"The opportunities that Agrium Advanced Technologies has presented with this new facility have been great for the local workforce plus the significant investment has been a welcome boost to the economy," said Jon Berg, operations manager at the New Madrid coating facility. "We had our first shipment go out on March 26 after start-up and ensuring the product met our demanding quality checks, so that was an important day that felt pretty good!"
The coating facility has an annual production capacity of 120,000 tons and has been designed such that capacity could be doubled in the future.
What makes ESN technology unique is its flexible, micro-thin polymer coating that encapsulates a nitrogen granule. The coating protects the nitrogen from loss mechanisms and releases the nutrient based on temperature and soil moisture. This efficiency will allow for maximum yield and quality when it comes to crop production. It also promotes improved seed application safety, a wider application window and convenience of use.
Top of mind is also the environmental benefits it provides. ESN technology delivers the nitrogen when the crops need it most, with significant reductions in the risk of loss to the soil, air and surrounding watershed. ESN technology is a SMARTER WAY TO GROW®.
The Grand Opening on Wednesday, May 19 will mark a special day for Agrium Advanced Technologies, the community and growers in the region anxious to try this advanced fertility product.
About Agrium Advanced Technologies
Agrium Advanced Technologies is a strategic business unit of Agrium Inc. Agrium Advanced Technologies is the leading manufacturer and marketer of slow- and controlled-release fertilizers and micronutrients in the Agriculture, professional Turf and Ornamental, consumer lawn and garden, and specialty agriculture markets. Agrium Advanced Technologies' brands include: ESN®, POLYON®, XCU®, NITROFORM®, NUTRALENE®, and DURATION CR® slow- and controlled-release fertilizers, UltraYield® Micronutrients, AMP™ and PRECISE® controlled-release plant protection. These products utilize proprietary advanced generation technologies to control nutrient release for improved plant growth and environmental performance.
About Agrium
Agrium Inc. is a major retail supplier of agricultural products and services in both North and South America and a leading global producer and marketer of agricultural nutrients and industrial products. Agrium produces and markets three primary groups of nutrients: nitrogen, phosphate and potash as well as controlled release fertilizers and micronutrients. Agrium's strategy is to grow through incremental expansion of its existing operations and acquisitions as well as the development, commercialization and marketing of new products and international opportunities.
Steve Williams, Manager, Communications
Email: swilliams@agriumat.com
Tel: 970-292-9017