Company Profile: Sul4r-Plus Kentucky, LLC
Background
Sul4r-Plus Kentucky, LLC, established in 2013, is a Louisville, Kentucky-based company specializing in the production of innovative fertilizers designed to enhance crop yields. The company's flagship product, SUL4R-PLUS®, is a granular calcium sulfate fertilizer engineered to provide essential sulfur and calcium nutrients for optimal plant health. This patented, dust-free, slow-release fertilizer is particularly beneficial for crops such as soybeans, corn, small grains, and alfalfa. By utilizing synthetic gypsum—a byproduct from coal-fired power plants—Sul4r-Plus contributes to sustainable agriculture practices. The company operates within the agriculture industry, focusing on crop nutrition and soil health.
Key Strategic Focus
Sul4r-Plus's strategic objectives include expanding production capacity, enhancing product offerings, and strengthening distribution networks. The company specializes in the development and manufacturing of high-quality, slow-release fertilizers that deliver essential nutrients to plants efficiently. Key technologies utilized encompass a patented manufacturing process that transforms synthetic gypsum into a granular form, ensuring uniformity and ease of application. Primary markets targeted include the United States, with a particular emphasis on regions such as the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada, where demand for sulfur-based fertilizers is growing.
Financials and Funding
In May 2024, Sul4r-Plus received a $14.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to establish a new fertilizer manufacturing facility in Springfield, Illinois. This facility is expected to produce 100,000 tons of fertilizer annually and create 50 new jobs. The grant underscores the company's commitment to expanding its production capabilities and meeting the increasing demand for its products.
Pipeline Development
Sul4r-Plus is actively developing its product pipeline to address evolving agricultural needs. The company plans to introduce a new version of its flagship product that combines boron and zinc, aiming to provide a more comprehensive nutrient profile for crops. Additionally, the Springfield plant is designed with scalability in mind, allowing for an increase in production capacity up to 300,000 tons per year to accommodate future demand.
Technological Platform and Innovation
The company's proprietary technology lies in its unique manufacturing process that converts synthetic gypsum into a granular, dust-free, slow-release fertilizer. This innovation ensures efficient nutrient delivery to plants, promoting optimal growth and yield. The use of synthetic gypsum not only provides a sustainable source of raw material but also contributes to environmental conservation by repurposing a byproduct from coal-fired power plants.
Leadership Team
- Terry Gill: President and CEO of Sul4r-Plus, Gill has a background in commerce and economic development, having served as the Secretary of Commerce and Economic Development for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He holds a BBA in Marketing with a Minor in Economics from the University of Kentucky.
- Greg Parris: Chief Reliability Officer, Parris brings over 40 years of experience in engineering and manufacturing, with a focus on safety, regulatory management, and process optimization. He holds a master's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Louisville.
- Greg Larkin: Chief Financial Officer, Larkin has 25 years of experience in accounting and finance, including a tenure as CFO at Kentucky Trailer. He earned his Bachelor of Science in accounting from Western Kentucky University and is a licensed CPA in Kentucky.
- Charles Price: Executive Vice President, Price has a background in corporate finance, operations, and project management. He holds a bachelor's degree from Asbury University and an MBA from the University of Louisville.
- Allen: Sales and Market Development Manager, Allen has experience in the vegetable seed, crop protection, crop nutrition, and specialty product industries, with a focus on markets west of the Mississippi River.
- Noah Binkley: Sales Manager for the Midwest region, Binkley has over 14 years of experience in fertilizer sales and logistics management. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Finance from Murray State University.
- Westin Rink: Sales Manager for the Ohio Valley region, Rink has over 15 years of agricultural experience and is a Certified Crop Advisor. He earned his B.S. in Soil and Crop Science from Purdue University.
- Joshua: Plant Manager, Joshua has 22 years of experience in maintenance, project management, operations, and procurement functions across various plants. He is responsible for the safe and efficient manufacturing and distribution of SUL4R-PLUS fertilizer products.
- Nick Rhea: Maintenance Coordinator, Rhea has a background in agriculture and industrial maintenance, with degrees in Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering from the University of Kentucky.
- Travis Banet: Manager of Research and Development, Banet holds a Ph.D. in Integrated Plant and Soil Sciences from the University of Kentucky and has authored several research papers on agroecosystem nutrient cycling and soil organic carbon dynamics.
Competitor Profile
- Market Insights and Dynamics: The agricultural fertilizer market is experiencing growth due to increasing global food demand and the need for enhanced crop yields. Sustainable and efficient nutrient delivery methods are becoming more critical, driving innovation in fertilizer products.
- Competitor Analysis: Key competitors in the fertilizer manufacturing industry include companies like HELM Crop Solutions, which has a distribution network that complements Sul4r-Plus's operations. Other notable competitors may include large-scale fertilizer producers and regional manufacturers offering similar products.
- Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships: Sul4r-Plus has partnered with HELM Crop Solutions to enhance its distribution capabilities. This collaboration leverages HELM's extensive network to reach broader markets and improve logistics efficiency.
- Operational Insights: Sul4r-Plus differentiates itself through its innovative manufacturing process that converts synthetic gypsum into a granular, dust-free, slow-release fertilizer. This process not only provides a sustainable source of raw material but also offers a unique value proposition in the market.
- Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions: The company is exploring opportunities to expand its production capacity further, potentially adding a third facility to meet increasing demand in regions like the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada. Additionally, the introduction of new product formulations combining essential nutrients like boron and zinc presents avenues for market expansion and product diversification.
Contact Information
- Website: www.sul4r-plus.com
- Social Media: LinkedIn
- Headquarters: Louisville, Kentucky, United States
