Ag company’s $3.6 million investment to modernize to create 26 jobs; retain 88 positions in rural Mississippi

Agricultural product manufacturer Sipcam Agro USA is set to modernize a recently acquired facility in Wayne County with a $3.6 million corporate investment. This development will create 26 new jobs and retain 88 positions from the facility’s previous ownership.

Headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, the company announced the construction of a 12,000-square-foot fungicide and insecticide plant in Waynesboro, Mississippi. The recently acquired facility will undergo extensive renovations to incorporate advanced technology and processes, enhancing its production capabilities.

The company specializes in agricultural fungicides, herbicides, and other specialized solutions aimed at protecting American crops.

The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) is supporting the project through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive (MFLEX) program. Additional assistance is being provided by AccelerateMS, Cooperative Energy, and Wayne County.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held this week, and the company aims to complete the renovations and staff the new positions by the end of 2024.

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Mississippi’s strong agricultural roots make our state an ideal location for Sipcam Agro’s new operations. This investment in Wayne County is not only creating dozens of new jobs, it also is maintaining a valued local industry and the livelihoods of 88 existing workers. I’m excited to welcome Sipcam Agro as the newest member of our business community and I extend my thanks to the company for placing its confidence in our state and its workforce.”

MDA Executive Director Bill Cork highlighted the significance of the investment, saying, “This project is a great example of how global companies find growth opportunities in Mississippi. This investment by Sipcam Agro will enable the company and its employees to utilize cutting-edge technology to offer superior solutions in American agriculture. MDA is glad to support Sipcam Agro as the company creates new jobs in Wayne County and retains dozens more.”

Sipcam Agro USA CEO Brent Marek commented on the project’s impact, stating, “I am very excited about this project, which will increase Sipcam’s production integration in fungicides and insecticides and offer customers additional tolling capabilities. The new plant will have high-capacity mills capable of making the highest quality SCs needed by the market. We are pleased to support the local community by creating jobs and supporting local businesses.”

Wayne County Board of Supervisors President Keith Clay emphasized the local benefits, saying, “Sipcam Agro Solutions has the reputation of being a world-class provider of products that have greatly impacted the world’s agrotechnology sector for the past 75 years. Their decision to not only set down roots in Wayne County but also to expand their global impact from here in Southeast Mississippi speaks volumes about our area’s strong, capable workforce and industry-friendly attitude toward growth.”

Dr. Courtney Taylor, Executive Director of AccelerateMS, added, “Sipcam Agro provides a great chance to continue to diversify opportunities for our workforce in agricultural manufacturing, a cornerstone of our state’s economy. We’re proud to welcome Sipcam Agro, acknowledging their confidence in our skilled workforce and collaborative partnerships with institutions like Jones College and Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District. Together, we’re committed to nurturing talent solutions that will help fuel their growth and success in Wayne County.”

Randy Smith, General Manager of Dixie Electric, remarked on the collaboration’s importance, stating, “Dixie Electric, along with its wholesale power provider Cooperative Energy, is proud to support Sipcam Agro USA, Inc. in their expansion efforts. The Cooperative Competes grant is a testament to our dedication to fostering economic growth and job retention in the Waynesboro area. Collaborations between electric cooperatives and economic development initiatives are crucial because thriving businesses enhance the vitality of our communities and help secure a sustainable future for everyone.”

Sipcam Agro’s investment and expansion in Wayne County signify a strong commitment to the local community and the agricultural sector, promising significant economic and employment benefits for the region.