Simplot producing new controlled release polymer coating

The J. R. Simplot Company has commissioned production of GAL-XEONE, their newest controlled release polymer coating. When in full production, this new capability will not only increase the availability of GAL-XEONE coated nutrients, but enable wider distribution and immediate access in-market to western United States and international customers.

“We continue to look for innovative opportunities to better serve our customers,” said Garrett Lofto, president of Simplot’s AgriBusiness Group. “When we purchased this technology, it became clear that we needed to expand our production in order to best meet our customers’ demands, and this new production will enable us to do that in the domestic and international markets we serve.”

The production facility is ideally situated on the West Coast and will be part of the Simplot Lathrop, Calif. manufacturing complex. This is the second facility to produce GAL-XEONE and compliments the new facility on the East Coast in Florida that is run by licensee partner, Florikan.

Simplot GAL-XEONE polymer coating effectively controls nutrient release over an extended period of time – up to 18 months. This exacting technology provides predictable release of plant nutrients throughout the growing cycle, and was developed with the assistance of NASA’s Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program (SATOP).

Production is ramping up and is expected to come online later this spring. GAL-XEONE is ideally suited for the turf, horticulture, landscape, nursery and specialty agricultural market segments that are prevalent throughout the western U.S. Now Simplot is able to manufacture and ship product effectively into the western states, giving customers access to product exactly when they need it.

“Our customers have come to expect high quality, innovative products and dependable service delivery,” said Jeff Roesler, vice president of Simplot’s Specialty AgriBusiness team. “This production facility gives us flexibility that we have not had in the past.”

For more information, go to www.SimplotGal-XeONE.com.