The west side of the plant and part of the original building were torn down. These buildings were replaced by a 17,000 ton fertilizer storage building and a steel structure that will be used for storage of Micro Nutrients and some bulk fertilizer. Installation of all the new and rebuilt equipment in the plant is also complete. In addition, the bagging and tote filling systems have been improved and relocated to eliminate conflicts with the blending tower.
Our new Fertilizer Plant capacity is 21,000 tons versus our previous capacity of 11,000 tons. This will enable us to take advantage of good buying opportunities, as well as ensuring product availability. In addition, the operation’s efficiency has improved immensely.
Our receiving system has been upgraded to unload trucks in half the time previously required. Its new location also allows for receiving and loading the tower at the same time which eliminates a ‘bottleneck’ in the plant. Higher capacity equipment for loading the tower will speed that operation and allow for the use of a bigger loader in the plant. These upgrades should significantly shorten wait times under the blending tower. As we fill the tower, almost all products will be hauled under roof, which will prevent contamination and environmental problems. We will also be able to supply the bagging operation without interrupting the tower loading system. In short, we will be much more effective and efficient.
We are very proud of our new facility. There is still future work to be done with the remaining older section of the plant, but we now have a very good start. The improvements will serve you, our patron owners, very well for a very long time.
As always, please keep safety on your mind and thank you for your business. You all are very important to us.
Keith Watson
General Manager
