A grand celebration of new growth at yesterday’s grand opening in Walkerton!

Jeff Hurst, Huron Bay Co-operative general manager and Kevin Rogers, Walkerton facility manager greeted approximately 400 customers and supporters that came out to see the co-ops new fertilizer facility in Bruce County.

The co-operative’s president Sam Luckhardt  started off the lineup of greetings by recapping Huron Bay’s many expansions in the past few years; stressing the importance of keeping up with the times. “This facility reflects our commitment to this continued direction of growth in supporting the needs of our members.”

Mayor David Inglis, Municipality of Brockton said he was very pleased that this new facility is here. “A vibrant economy is what everyone wants,” he says.  “Agriculture is strong in the municipality of Brockton and we want to keep it that way; and this facility is a testament to that.”

Ben Lobb, MP Huron-Bruce not only commended Huron Bay on its commitment and investment in Bruce County with this expansion, but also addressed the importance of the broader co-operative sector. “I am a long-time supporter of the co-operative and credit union sector and understand the added value that co-ops bring to our communities,” he said. 

 

Kim Fysh, GROWMARK Ontario director said that in his travels he has seen many facilities and that the Walkerton facility is second-to-none. “Your board and management teams have made some great decisions and you should be very proud,” says Fysh. “The only problem you might have is that you will be in and out of the facility so fast that you won’t have time to get a coffee!”

Don McLean, GROWMARK Agronomy business director brought greetings from GROWMARK Ontario region noting that with so many advances in agriculture, this new facility is a wonderful addition.

Jeff Hurst finished off by saying that the old ways weren’t working anymore. “This new facility will take Huron Bay well into the next century offering state-of-the-art technology."

“We are positioned well for providing our members with fast and accurate fertilizer mixing. This facility can produce very large volumes in a timely manner all controlled with hand-held computer. The business is changing in lightning speed, with technology and science. Several years ago only one or two sources of nitrogen were required and now we need five or six,” says Hurst.

Kevin Rogers pointed out details of the operation adding…”We can unload a tractor-trailer of fertilizer in about 8 minutes!”

After the official ribbon cutting ceremony, a bbq feast of hamburgers, sausages and salads was served to all who came out to take part in the celebration.

Official ribbon cutting ceremony (Walkerton). Seen here from (L-R)  - Kevin Rogers, Huron Bay Co-operative facility manager; Huron Bay Co-operative directors Ron DeVisser and Byron Monk; David Inglis, mayor of Brockton, John Rhody, director, Ben Lobb, MP Huron-Bruce, Sam Luckhardt, Huron Bay Co-operative president, Andrew Black vice president, Doug Jeffray, director and Jeff Hurst Huron Bay Co-operative general manager.