Release:
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, August 25, 2020 – BASF announced today the expansion of its Sparks, Georgia 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.
· TWO.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.
Always read and follow label directions.
Poncho Votivo 2.0 seed treatment system is composed of the federally registered Poncho Votivo and the state registered soil amendment TWO.O.
PonchoVotivoseed treatment and TWO.O are not registered in all states. Poncho, Votivo and ILEVO are registered trademarks of BASF.
About BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division
With a rapidly growing population, the world is increasingly dependent on our ability to develop and maintain sustainable agriculture and healthy environments. Working with farmers, agricultural professionals, pest management experts and others, it is our role to help make this possible. That’s why we invest in a strong R&D pipeline and broad portfolio, including seeds and traits, chemical and biological crop protection, soil management, plant health, pest control and digital farming. With expert teams in the lab, field, office and in production, we connect innovative thinking and down-to-earth action to create real world ideas that work – for farmers, society and the planet. In 2019, our division generated sales of €7.8 billion. For more information, please visit www.agriculture.basf.com or any of our social media channels.
About BASF
BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has more than 18,800 employees in North America and had sales of $18.4 billion in 2019. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, visit www.basf.com/us.
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. More than 117,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €59 billion in 2019. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at www.basf.com.
