Nov 20, 2019Wilbur-Ellis acquires Nachurs Alpine Solutions
Wilbur-Ellis, an international marketer and distributor of agricultural products, animal nutrients and specialty chemicals and ingredients, has announced the acquisition of Nachurs Alpine Solutions (NAS), a specialty liquid chemical manufacturer serving the precision agriculture, transportation, energy and diversified industrial sectors in North America.
NAS is the largest acquisition in Wilbur-Ellis’ history, which is consistent with the company’s commitment to reinvest in the business.
Formed in 1946, NAS pioneered precision-placed liquid fertilizer, formulated to meet the nutritional needs of crops and growing conditions in the U.S. and Canada. Over the past 20 years, NAS has organized into six business units and diversified, providing de-icing and freeze prevention solutions for the transportation and mining industries, as well as fluids for the energy sector.
As part of Wilbur-Ellis, NAS will operate as a new business division, alongside the company’s other core businesses — Agribusiness, Nutrition and Connell. NAS will be led by its current President and CEO Jeff Barnes, who will report to Wilbur-Ellis President and CEO John Buckley. NAS’ products will continue to be sold under its signature brands, including NACHURS and ALPINE liquid fertilizers in the U.S. and Canada, and Nachurs Alpine Solutions Industrial (NASi) products in the transportation, mining, energy and industrial chemicals markets.
NAS’ brands are supported by more than 200 highly skilled employees, seven strategically located manufacturing plants and 85-plus distribution terminals in the U.S. and Canada.
Market-driven innovation is critical capability, Buckley said. “NAS has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to innovate. Over the past five years, the company has launched over 50 new products, which has provided greater stability in changing markets and contributed significantly to their product portfolio.” Along with developing an impressive number of new products, NAS supports Wilbur-Ellis’ history of innovation by providing technical assistance to customers, working with outside partners to surface the best ideas, and maintaining a strong focus on environmental sustainability.
For example, in its liquid fertilizer business, NAS was one of the first companies to adopt the 4R Nutrient Stewardship philosophy, which promotes the right product being applied at the right rate in the right place at the right time. This approach increases product effectiveness and efficiency, allowing growers to increase yields while using less fertilizer and reducing the environmental impact of their operations.
“At NAS, our business is built on quality, integrity and innovation,” said NAS’ Barnes. “So, we’re proud to be joining Wilbur-Ellis, a company that supports those values, has an unwavering commitment to safety, and is dedicated to serving customers.”
For more information, visit www.wilburellis.com or www.nachurs-alpine.com.
