Becker Underwood,
a global leader in inoculants and other seed enhancement
products, today announced plans to significantly increase its
St. Joseph, Mo. inoculant fermentation and research facility.
The increased investment in formulation and production
facilities is required to meet the growing demand for Becker
Underwood’s inoculant products. The multi-million dollar
expansion will result in a 55,000 square-foot facility, allowing
the company to triple its U.S. inoculant production.
"The inoculant and seed enhancement business is core to
Becker Underwood, and we are investing in our St. Joseph
operations," says Becker Underwood President Dr. Peter Innes.
"Integrating and expanding our St. Joseph operations into a
single, state-of-the-art fermentation plant greatly increases
our ability to provide customers with leading products and
technologies," Innes reports. "Our USA and Canadian inoculant
manufacturing plants together give us the flexibility to supply
our customers quickly and in whatever formulation they require."
Becker Underwood has grown to become one of the world’s
largest producers of bio-agronomic ingredients and specialty
products. Since its founding in 1982, the company has expanded
steadily through new product development and strategic
acquisitions. It’s most recent acquisition included facilities
in St. Joseph, formerly part of Urbana Laboratories.
According to Becker Underwood CEO, Roger Underwood, "Becker
Underwood continues to expand operations to better serve
customers. Adding value is consistent with Becker Underwood’s
mission, and our products bring enhanced value to customers and
growers in many ways."
Becker Underwood inoculant brands used on soybean and legume
crops include: HiStick®, HiCoat®, Nod+®,
MicroFix, BioRhiz, Nodulator®, RhizoFix, Dormal and
Soy Sterile. Leading bio-pesticide brands are Nemasys®,
Nematac® and Nemaslug for the turf, agriculture and
nursery markets. Company operations are located in Ames, Iowa;
St. Joseph, Mo.; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada; Littlehampton,
U.K.; Caldwell, Idaho; Curitiba, Brazil and Toulouse, France.
