Koch celebrates record production, breaks ground on expansion in Alabama

Following a period of record fertilizer production, Koch Agronomic Services is breaking ground on a new tank farm expansion in Sylacauga, Ala.

The facility — which produces both Polyon and Duration enhanced efficiency fertilizers for the turf and ornamental, specialty crop and consumer markets — is experiencing record demand for its products. Building on this success, the plant has begun construction on a new tank farm. The expansion is expected to improve capacity and reliability while decreasing energy consumption, the company said.

“It’s been an exciting year for us, and Koch is solidifying its future in Sylacauga with the largest capital investment since we acquired this facility in 2014,” said Jeff Bird, Koch Agronomic Services plant manager. “It’s always good to see economic development like this in our community, and these upgrades will allow us to continue establishing Koch’s place as an innovator in the fertilizer space.”

The tank farm project essentially replaces the entire chemical processing system for three of the facility’s four current production lines, including repurposing a previously decommissioned part of the plant. The upgrades also include installation of a new chemical unloading station, eight new chemical storage tanks, new transfer pumps, innovative new technologies for product blending and much more.

“Our Sylacauga facility is a leader in the enhanced efficiency fertilizer space in the US,” said Marshall Bird, vice president for Koch Agronomic Services. “We’ve seen a lot of success with this facility thanks to a positive regional location and a skilled, capable work force that puts us ahead of our competition.”