Ostara Nutrient Recovery Technologies Inc., Vancouver, BC, on Sept. 7 broke ground on its new 200,000 st/y Crystal Green® fertilizer plant in St. Louis, Mo. The plant is expected to be completed in 2023 in time for the 2024 growing season.
“Access to world-class manufacturing talent, as well as the river, railways, and interstate in the heart of some of the most productive agricultural lands in the world makes St. Louis an ideal location for Ostara’s next phase as we realize our vision of global expansion,” said Ostara CEO Kerry Cebul. “We are thrilled to add over 40 new jobs to the St. Louis region, to promote economic growth, and to continue our mission to help feed the world while protecting it.”
Notable state and local officials, including Missouri Governor Mike Parson, as well as representatives from various partners that have helped bring the facility to life, were in attendance.
“As a farmer myself and Governor of the state of Missouri, I couldn’t be more excited that the future of phosphate fertilizer is going to be produced right here in St. Louis,” said Gov. Parson. “The agriculture industry constantly seeks new and innovative ways to support the goals of farmers and protect our natural resources. Ostara’s phosphate fertilizer provides a solution to farmers to deliver both. We’re proud Ostara has chosen Missouri for the home of its Crystal Green production facility.”
Ostara purchased its St. Louis facility from Bruce Oakley Inc. in 2021, with plans to construct a state-of-the-art granulation facility to produce its fertilizers (GM July 16, 2021). It said last August that it planned to invest $25 million in the facility (GM Aug. 20, 2021). The company already operates a facility in Florida, but desired an additional presence in the central part of the country.
Ostara’s Pearl® technology recovers phosphorus and nitrogen from industrial and municipal water streams and transforms these nutrients into Crystal Green® Pearl fertilizer, which is used in the agriculture and turf and ornamental sectors through a network of established retailers and distributors in North America and Europe.