Valagro, a biostimulants and nutritional specialties producer based in Atessa, Italy, held a groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 1 for a new production facility in Orangeburg, S.C., its first in the U.S. The company said the new plant will introduce “cutting-edge technologies” for the production of plant biostimulants and chelated micronutrients in the U.S., and will provide nearly 50 advanced manufacturing jobs when open.
Valagro CEO Giuseppe Natale said the company is also launching its Valagro for Future Farming initiative to advance the use of biological products in agriculture and provide innovative sustainable agriculture solutions for North American customers.
“The new American plant is a fundamental part of Valagro’s global production strategy and is further evidence of the company’s continued and solid global growth,” said Natale. “The Orangeburg plant will be a facility for innovation, where science is applied to agriculture to produce solutions that can help growers obtain more abundant and better quality harvests more efficiently. And this is our commitment.”
Valagro said the groundbreaking ceremony was attended by nearly 70 guests, including local and state officials and a number of federal agency representatives, among them South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
“Today, we celebrate yet another international firm choosing to do business in South Carolina, a further testament to our business-friendly climate and well-trained workforce,” said McMaster. “I congratulate Valagro and Orangeburg County on this terrific new partnership and look forward to watching it thrive for years to come.”
Founded in 1980 in Abruzzo, Italy, Valagro currently operates biostimulant and fertilizer production facilities in Atessa, two in Norway, two in India, and one in Brazil. The company has 12 subsidiaries located throughout the world. In July, the company announced a strategic partnership to collaborate on research and development efforts with Marrone Bio Innovations Inc. in Davis, Calif. (GM July 12, p. 28)
“We’re delighted that Valagro has selected Orangeburg County for its next facility,” said Mike Brenan, Chairman of the Central South Carolina Alliance. “The company’s expansion into Orangeburg County is a boon for the local economy and workforce, and further confirms South Carolina’s position as a strong competitor in attracting international companies looking to grow their business in the U.S.”