EC Grow Inc., Eau Claire, Wisc., said on Jan. 18 it has started construction of a polymer coating facility adjacent to their current bulk storage location. This new facility will have the ability to produce controlled-release urea in various sizes and release curves. The company expects to have the new polymer-coated urea (PCU) production on the market in the fall of 2021.
“We have been using PCU’s in our turfgrass blends for many years and recognize how efficient they are for our customers and the environment,” said Steve Hunsley, EC Grow CEO. “By investing in our own facility, we can better manage pricing volatility while providing our customers with enhanced fertility solutions.”
The company said the professional turf industry has been challenged with labor shortages and escalating maintenance costs, and it recognizes the benefits of controlled-release technology and how turfgrass managers can “Do More with Less.”
“We have been conducting university turfgrass testing for several years to determine the best polymer solution that our customers can have confidence in and depend on,” said Joe Ernst, EC Grow Director of Professional Sales. “The timing to launch our own PCU aligns with our Labor Efficient Program initiative to help combat the industry’s labor crisis. PCU is more efficient, environmentally friendly, and economical for the customer.”
EC Grow, which has been in business for over 30 years, manufactures and distributes fertilizer products to the professional turf and ornamental industry, as well consumer lawn and garden fertilizers. It is a subsidiary of Eau Claire Cooperative Oil Co., which has been in business for over 95 years.