The J.R. Simplot Co., Boise, Idaho, said on Nov. 13 that it is expanding its turf, horticulture, and specialty plant nutrition business to the southeastern United States. Simplot Partners will now operate new locations in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and Texas. The new locations will offer a complete line of plant nutrients, plant protection, specialty products, and maintenance options for nursery, turf, and specialty agricultural professionals.
Dr. Jeff Higgins, manager of business development for Simplot’s southeast locations, said that plans for the new locations are being finalized, with hiring and operations ramping up to full service starting next summer. More details as to locations and timelines were not immediately available. Simplot Partners, which specializes in the distribution of turf and horticulture supplies, already has sales representatives in Charlotte, N.C., and Birmingham, Ala., according to its website, in addition to those in Western states.
“We’re excited to establish a presence here,” he said. “We’re a 90-year-old, family-owned company that operates in a range of industries serving food, agriculture, and other related, specialized industries like golf course and turf management. Our focus on long-term relationships is a true differentiator for our Partners business.”
Simplot Partners has locations in 16 other states, all in the West, as well as two locations in Australia. The unit offers a complete line of products serving a wide range of customers, including golf courses, landscapers, nursery operators, municipalities, and athletic field managers. The company noted that its turf was used at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and that it also offers a proprietary line of premium turf colorants and many other ornamental plant management products.
In 2017, Simplot used acquisitions to add three locations to its Turf and Horticulture business in Hawaii (GM March 3, 2017) and two Alberta ag retail outlets to its AgriBusiness Retail division (GM June 30, 2017).