Back to news
New facility provides growth opportunities in existing Wilbur-Ellis coverage-area of Southwest Michigan
Walnut Creek, Calif. — March 25, 2013 — Wilbur-Ellis Company, a recognized leader in crop production technology and the distribution and marketing of plant protection, seed and nutritional products, announced that it has acquired the assets of S&S Agricultural Supply L.L.C., a high-value, service-focused agronomy business in Watervliet, Mich. The acquisition is a strategic fit to Wilbur-Ellis’ existing Watervliet business. The company will utilize the expansion to provide better value and resources for growers in Southwest Michigan.
The company also plans to introduce more growers to AgVerdict®, a comprehensive interactive online system for generating, tracking, reporting and managing crop production supported by Wilbur-Ellis’ agronomic experts. The company also sees sales opportunities in plant protection and other Wilbur-Ellis branded products, as well as opportunities to provide their existing customer base with dry-blend fertilizers.
“The team and existing services of S&S Agricultural Supply has all of the characteristics that Wilbur-Ellis looks for when expanding our business,” said Grant Hart, Wilbur-Ellis Watervliet branch manager. “S&S Agricultural Supply is efficient, highly customer-oriented and has specialty focuses that will strengthen and enhance the services of Wilbur-Ellis in this area.”
“I only considered Wilbur-Ellis when deciding to sell the business,” said Kevin Schuhknecht, owner of S&S Agricultural Supply. “With the long term relationship we have enjoyed in the marketplace, I knew Wilbur-Ellis was best positioned to support and enhance our customers’ experience. We all look forward to joining the Wilbur-Ellis team.”
Schuhknecht will join the Wilbur-Ellis Great Lakes team as operations manager for the Watervliet branch, supporting current branch manager, Grant Hart. Efforts will begin later in the year for already existing facilities owned by Wilbur-Ellis to seamlessly combine with S&S Agricultural Supply’s location.
Founded in 1985, S&S Agricultural Supply is known to have a strong team of crop advisors, efficient service, and lasting customer relationships.
Wilbur-Ellis’ Agribusiness Division generates more than $2 billion in sales revenue and has 165 locations in 25 states throughout the United States.
For more information, please visit www.wilburellis.com