MUSKEGON, Mich. — Bayer CropScience is in the midst of a $50 million expansion project at its Muskegon plant, which will increase production capacity of the company’s flagship product, Liberty herbicide, a key component in Bayer’s LibertyLink weed management technology.
In expanding its production of Liberty, Bayer said it is responding to calls from farmers and agronomists for an alternative weed control technology to help combat the rising problem of weed resistance.
"The use of Liberty herbicide, in combination with Bayer’s LibertyLink seed, continues to be in high demand by farmers as they realize the benefits to their crops, and harvests, of this innovative weed management technology," said Michael van Nooy, head of Global Active Ingredient Operations for Bayer CropScience.
Canola, corn, cotton and soybeans benefit from this technology, he noted. Globally, Bayer is in the process of doubling its Liberty herbicide production capacity.
"Our goal at Bayer CropScience is to help shape the future of farming by providing cutting-edge agricultural innovations to deliver on Bayer’s mission of ‘Science For a Better Life,’" van Nooy said, adding the expansion is a demonstration of the company’s commitment to its mission.
The Bayer facility, which manufactures crop protection products, completed a similar but smaller $15 million expansion in 2010. "This investment is good news not only for growers but for our Muskegon plant and the greater Muskegon area as well," said Steve Smythe, plant manager for Bayer’s Muskegon operations.
"The expansion helps to secure our position as an important part of our company’s global manufacturing network, while helping to secure the jobs of the 70-plus employees we have on-site."
Muskegon Charter Township Supervisor David Kieft said Bayer CropScience has a long history in the township, and a stellar record. "We have always had a great relationship between Bayer and the township. They’re a very clean and safe facility. They’re really good stewards of the environment."
The capacity expansion project is expected to take approximately two years, with additional production beginning in mid-2017. Bayer’s Muskegon operations are located on 40 developed acres that include two production units and one formulation unit, surrounded by 400 acres of woods and wetlands.
Kieft said the company recently donated an easement of approximately one mile of land on the eastern edge of the property to extend the township’s Barry Junction Trail – a recreational trail.
"They are strong supporters of the community and are very accommodating to us," he said.
"We take our responsibilities as a chemical manufacturing site very seriously," Smythe said. "The first priority at our site always is the safety of our employees and our neighbors, and at the same time safeguarding our environment. Our production never takes precedence over these priorities."
According to Smythe, the site’s commitment to the Muskegon community’s well-being represents an additional important focus for Bayer. Annual participation in the United Way campaign, support for science education and sponsorship of local cultural events are some of the ways Bayer and its employees ensure they are an active and engaged part of community life.
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the fields of health care, agriculture and high-tech materials. Bayer CropScience, a subgroup of Bayer AG, is one of the world’s leading innovative crop science companies in the areas of seeds, crop protection and non-agricultural pest control.
