Monsanto to build $140M cotton seed processing unit in Texas

Jan. 15, 2016 – Monsanto has announced plans to build a $140-million cotton seed processing plant in Lubbock, Texas, where nearly 40 per cent of the nation’s cotton is planted.

The new site is expected to employ 40 full-time personnel and, according to the company, will be its primary hub for cleaning, treating and bagging cotton seed, while existing processing facilities will transition to support storage and warehousing, pre-commercial operations and research in various parts of the Cotton Belt. The seed will then be resold.

“Bringing people, processes and technology together at a new, state-of-the-art cotton facility in Lubbock will boost collaboration and efficiency within our manufacturing organization,” said Dave Penn, cotton manufacturing lead at Monsanto. “Furthermore, its geographic location in Lubbock, Texas, will allow for better alignment with the cotton industry and help us better serve customers across the Cotton Belt.”

Computers at the plant will cull enhanced data and allow for automating processes instead of manual operations, Monsanto said, adding it hopes that will improve safety.

“Advanced technology at the new hub facility in Lubbock will allow for better data capture, and automating processes will improve both our manufacturing effectiveness and the safety of our personnel,” he continued. “This creates value that we can pass on to our customers.”

In cooperation with the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance (LEDA), construction of the new facility is expected to begin this March and be completed in the latter half of 2017.

Monsanto is a producer of seeds for fruits, vegetables and crops, such as corn, soybeans, and cotton. It boasts more than 20,000 employees and 404 facilities worldwide, including a number of locations in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

— With files from The Associated Press