BASF Site Expansion to Focus on Seed Treatment Formulations, Job Creation
BASF has announced the expansion of its Sparks, GA, facility. The company invested approximately $70 million in capital improvements to produce seed treatment formulations that will also lead to 30 new full-time jobs at the site. The production investments will provide needed solutions for farmers while contributing to the economic development of the communities it serves.
“We will continue to help farmers and our seed company and channel partners succeed in their operations, which includes the development of our seed treatment portfolio,” said Martin Horrocks, Director, Seed Treatment, BASF Agricultural Solutions North America. “BASF has responded to their needs by making significant investments in production to deliver effective solutions to help farmers manage pests, disease and produce higher yields. These investments highlight our commitment to efficiently bring seed treatment innovations to farmers to help protect their crop during the times they need it most.”
The site expansion includes a new formulation unit, lab expansion, and a climate-controlled warehouse, bringing the total site assets to $200 million. As one of seven BASF global production sites for seed treatment products, the site will now directly produce BASF’s innovative seed treatment portfolio, including the Poncho Votivo 2.0 seed treatment system for corn comprised of:
- Poncho, which brings a systemic insecticide that is quickly absorbed through the roots and protects the plant from insects above and below ground.
- Votivo, which brings a distinctive bacteria strain that creates a living barrier to prevent damage from plant pathogenic nematodes and promotes root and plant growth.
- O, which brings a second complementary bacteria that increases microbial activity in the soil around the root, resulting in an increase of available nutrients for the plant to use.
The site will also produce ILEVO seed treatment, BASF’s proven solution helping soybean farmers protect their yields from both Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) and nematodes.
“This expansion not only provides benefits to our customers, but to our community as well,” said Mark Wolverton, Sparks Site Director, BASF Agricultural Solutions North America. “BASF has been a proud supporter of our community for more than 35 years. We look forward to employing local residents from Sparks and the surrounding areas and continuing to contribute to the economic well-being of our region.”
Hiring for the new positions, including production and warehouse operators, lab techs, maintenance tech, supervisory staff, and planning will begin in the fourth quarter of 2020. The newly expanded site areas will be fully operational by the third quarter of next year.
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