Agrium Advanced Technologies Realigns Canadian Professional Division
LOVELAND, Colorado (December 1, 2009) – Effective today, Agrium Advanced Technologies is merging the Canadian Professional Division, and realigning the organization under a unified structure for the North American markets. These changes will provide improved business efficiencies and operations, reinforcing Agrium Advanced Technologies as one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of controlled-release fertilizers and micronutrients, for the professional turfgrass, horticulture, consumer lawn and garden and specialty agriculture markets.
“We are very excited about leveraging the company’s core competencies, and supporting the increasing growth and demand of the market throughout North America. By aligning under a single approach, we will streamline and improve the organization’s business, fully leverage resources and technologies, and provide superior customer support.” said Andrew Mittag, President, Agrium Advanced Technologies.
Sheldon Witte, Vice President of Canadian Professional Business, will be moving into the newly created role of Vice President of Strategy and Integration for Agrium Advanced Technologies. Sheldon will move to Loveland, Colorado in mid 2010. The current Sales and Marketing for the Canadian Professional Business will be restructured into a sales group and a marketing group working together to maximize sales, margin and profitability of the Canadian Turf and Ornamental Business. Sales and customer service functions will be led by J Muse, Vice President of Sales. Canadian Marketing and Regulatory functions will be led by Jeff Novak, Director of Marketing.
Other changes and realignments include, Mark Scenna taking on the role of the Turf Sales Manager, reporting into J Muse, which will reinforce and strengthen the North American presence in Turf. Adrian Mezenberg has assumed the role of Horticulture Sales Manager and Mike McWilliams will continue as the Sales Manager, Structural Pest Control. Ron Dekok will take on the role of the Manager of Canadian Marketing responsible for Turf, Horticulture and the Structural markets, and will report to Jeff Novak. Additionally, Suzanne Beattie will now manage all registration and regulatory activities for AAT and will report to Jeff Novak.
“Realigning our Sales and Marketing we can leverage the proven expertise of our professional teams into their respective and dedicated functions, further strengthening the company,” said Mittag. This realignment of Canada and United States Sales and Marketing resources will enhance efficiencies and reinforce service provided to all customers and vendors.
About Agrium Advanced Technologies
Agrium Advanced Technologies is a strategic business unit of Agrium Inc., a major retail supplier of turf and horticulture products and services in North America and a leading global producer and marketer of agricultural nutrients and industrial products. Agrium Advanced Technologies is the leading manufacturer and marketer of slow- and controlled-release fertilizers and micronutrients in the Agriculture, professional Turf and Ornamental, consumer lawn and garden, and specialty agriculture markets. Agrium Advanced Technologies' brands include: ESN®, POLYON®, XCU™, AMP™, NITROFORM®, NUTRALENE®, and DURATION CR® slow- and controlled-release fertilizers and PRECISE® controlled-release plant protection. These products utilize proprietary advanced generation technologies to control nutrient release for improved plant growth and environmental performance.
Agrium Advanced Technologies is a strategic business unit of Agrium Inc. (TSX and NYSE: AGU).
