San Francisco-Wilbur-Ellis Co. on July 28 completed the purchase of Ruona Nutrients and Adjuvants (RNA), an agricultural products formulation business located in San Joaquin, Calif. “The fine reputation of Robin Ruona and his team is very well known throughout the agricultural products distribution markets,” said Wilbur-Ellis President and CEO John Thacher. “Not only is the quality of their line of products excellent, but their ability to provide solutions to very specific crop needs is unsurpassed.” Ruona said RNA’s operations will definitely increase the breadth of the Wilbur-Ellis proprietary line of products, and the proximity to their Fresno, Calif., facility offers even more potential for collaboration and efficiency. “The strength of our business has been customer service,” said Ruona. “Aligning with Wilbur-Ellis will allow me to continue to be involved on a daily basis with my customers while freeing me from certain administrative tasks.” The San Joaquin operations will continue at their present location, and existing employees will remain with the company. Operations will report to Gary Sexton, director of manufacturing, with the marketing effort reporting to Ed Koldenhoven, director of branded products. The combined effort is led by Jim Loar, AgriBusiness Division Senior Vice President, Operations. The agribusiness division is led by Dan Vradenburg, Wilbur-Ellis executive vice president, and is headquartered in Walnut Creek, Calif.
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