Minntonka, Minnesota, USA
October 15, 2014
- Phillips location provides seed corn for farmers across the western United States
- Expansion is one example of how Syngenta is bringing The Good Growth Plan to life
- $63 million investment reinforces Nebraska’s leadership in seed corn production
Syngenta today held a grand re-opening for its newly-expanded Phillips, Nebraska, seed corn production facility. The $63 million expansion represents a significant investment in the local economy and builds on Nebraska’s reputation as a leader in seed corn production. Syngenta employees were joined at today’s ribbon cutting event by government officials and civic and agricultural leaders, including: Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman; Congressman Adrian Smith; State Senator Annette Dubas; and Assistant Director of Agriculture Bobbie Kriz-Wickham.
The facility employs roughly 375 full-time and seasonal employees, an increase of approximately 50 percent due to the expansion. Syngenta also contracts seed production with 50 area growers.
According to Governor Heineman, private investments in Nebraska agriculture are critical to the state’s economic development.
“Today we are celebrating a significant project which will mean a great deal to the community of Phillips and our state,” Governor Heineman said. “With the new plant capacity afforded by this expansion, this plant will be able to address the demand for seed on both the local and national levels. Nebraska is one of the strongest states economically, thanks to towns like Phillips and companies like Syngenta.”
Congressman Smith commented on the importance of the expanded facility to Central Nebraska.
“This expansion is a great investment in our economy and the Third District," said Congressman Smith. “I appreciate Syngenta’s contributions to Nebraska agriculture, and to helping meet the food demands of a growing world.”
Consistent with
The Good Growth Plan announced by Syngenta last year, the expanded Phillips facility is designed to meet the long-term demand for commercial corn in the U.S. and help farmers grow more from less.
"Every day, our planet wakes with more mouths to feed, more lost farmland and less water – impacting every continent," said Ponsi Trivisvavet, President, Syngenta Seeds, Inc. and Syngenta Region Director-North America. "This expansion demonstrates our commitment to helping farmers grow more food using fewer resources, while protecting nature and improving life in our rural communities.
“The work of our team here is helping us earn a reputation for innovation and stewardship, ensuring that Syngenta will be known for products that help us meet The Good Growth Plan goals to: make crops more efficient; help people stay safe; and look after every worker,” Trivisvavet said.
The Phillips expansion includes: acquisition of approximately 42 acres of land; a new green corn receiving facility; additional single-pass reversing dryer capacity; a significant increase in bulk seed storage; a new conditioning tower; and more warehouse space. These site enhancements will enable Syngenta to meet the anticipated long-term demand for commercial corn in North America. And, in addition to these new, broader capabilities, Syngenta has laid the groundwork for expanded future capacity at Phillips, as well.
According to Syngenta site manager Bill Hunter III, the Phillips location has a long history of serving the seed industry, dating back to 1943 when Prairie Valley Hybrids was first established. “We are proud to be expanding in Phillips, growing with Nebraska and building on the legacy of those who came before us,” Hunter said. “We appreciate the community support we have received for this project and we look forward to working with area farmer-growers to meet the long-term demand for innovative seed products.”
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