Syngenta to build new storage and distribution center in Iowa

WSI announced recently that it is expanding its agriculture crop protection logistics footprint by partnering with Syngenta, a leader in agriculture innovation, in opening a state-of-the-art storage and distribution center in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The crop protection facility will expand upon an already established, nationwide network for Syngenta and unlock new growth potential within the agriculture sector.

The opening is Phase One of the agricultural logistics industrial project located on a 43-acre, rail accessible site in Mills County at Interstates 29 and 80 in a designated Foreign Trade Zone.

This phase comprises a distribution building serving the agricultural industry throughout the Midwest. WSI plans an expansion to include a bulk tank farm and possibly additional packaging space.

Syngenta is the initial occupant of the first phase. The strategically located distribution center provides Syngenta additional capacity and flexibility toward meeting the increasing demand for its innovative crop solutions in the U.S. The facility will better position Syngenta to provide uninterrupted distribution and faster service designed to keep their customers’ operations running smoothly.

“This site was selected because of its central location in the heart of American agriculture,” said Roger Herzog, Syngenta head of Logistics in North America Supply Operations. “The location, combined with the interstate and potential rail access, is ideally suited to serve Syngenta’s logistics needs in a six-state region.”

The Mills County project is another in a long list of Syngenta investments in the U.S. for American farmers in recent years, totaling more than $315 million.

“This has truly been a coordinated effort between WSI, Syngenta and Mills County, one that started a number of years ago with gathering requirements and initial planning,” said Larry Lenz, Syngenta project lead. “The collaboration and commitment to excellence with WSI has resulted in a level of professional service Syngenta’s customers have come to expect. From start to finish, this has been a very exciting and rewarding project.”

WSI has an historic expertise when it comes to chemical logistics, being the first third-party logistics provider to receive Responsible Care^® designation from the American Chemistry Council. WSI is devoted to providing its customers the same consistently high-quality services for which it is known, as well as maintaining strict regulatory and quality control its customers and members of the community expect.

“WSI is dedicated to ensuring Syngenta’s customers receive the absolute reliability they require and deserve to obtain the highest yields. The food supply in America is the most essential component of our economy and WSI is proud to play a small part in Syngenta’s supply chain serving the agricultural community,” said Bob Schroeder, WSI CEO.

Phase One facts

- 137,000 square feet of warehouse for storage and distribution services

- Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) and Responsible Care^® certifications

- Hazmat (class H3 and H4) and Non-Hazmat Storage

- Chemical Handling Certification/Training

- Advanced Facility Ventilation Technologies

WSI and Syngenta would like to thank the Mills County, Iowa Supervisors and Mills County Economic Development Foundation for all their help and support of this project.