$8.8 million investment to bring new seed corn plant to Blenheim

A multi-million-dollar investment has been made into Blenheim’s Maizex Seeds. CTV Windsor’s Chris Campbell reports.

Maizex Seeds is investing $8.8 million in a new seed corn processing and packaging plant in Blenheim, a project the company says will strengthen its national seed business and support farmers across Canada.

The Blenheim BIA says it has been notified of the project and is seeking more information from the company’s parent, Sollio Agriculture.

In a statement, Sollio Agriculture CEO Casper Kaastra said the new facility represents a long-term commitment to Canadian-grown seed corn.

“This is a significant investment by Maizex that not only supports the ability of our seed business to meet the needs of farm customers into the future but also represents a commitment to Canadian-grown seed corn for Canadian farmers,” Kaastra said.

Stuart McFadden, Chatham-Kent’s director of economic development, says the expansion reflects the company’s long-standing role in the community.

“Maizex Seeds has been a part of Chatham-Kent for many, many years and are looked upon as leaders in what they do,” he explained.

“This investment is going to greatly increase their production capacity… and it’s also going to make sure there are more acres for high-value product that’s going to help at the farm gate.”

The new plant will replace an older facility acquired in 2019 when Maizex and Sollio formed a joint venture. The upgraded site will feature state-of-the-art cleaning, sizing and packaging equipment with expanded automation.

“Maizex has always used a unique approach to seed corn processing to ensure product quality,” said Blake Ashton, general manager of Maizex Seeds.

“This new facility will emulate the single-storey flow-through design of our Tilbury facility but with additional automation and capabilities.”

McFadden says the investment mirrors a broader trend of agri-business reinvesting in Chatham-Kent.

“We have a bunch of companies in Chatham-Kent that are looking at investing in themselves and looking at technology, how do they get more efficient, how do they become more competitive inside a really interesting market?” he said.

“Maizex has been a pillar of the community for years… and we welcome the investment.”

He adds that agriculture remains the backbone of the local economy.

“It’s over $4 billion a year to our economy,” McFadden told CTV News.

“It’s probably number one or two as far as economic drivers in the community.”

Maizex produces seed corn hybrids in Chatham-Kent and the surrounding region, an area the company describes as one of the best seed-growing zones in the world thanks to long frost-free seasons and reliable moisture conditions between the Great Lakes.

South Kent councillor Anthony Ceccacci says the announcement reinforces the strength of Blenheim’s agricultural sector.

“It’s amazing to see a company reinvest in our community,” he stated.

“We’ve had no conversations currently with the company, but just the fact they’re investing here — we are very honoured and grateful for it.”

Ceccacci says the move could also encourage similar businesses to consider the region.

“Blenheim being a very diverse communtiy is in the heart of prominent agricultural land,” he said. “Maybe this might be a catalyst for other companies or by-product industries to come into our community and invest.”

He says residents are welcoming the news.

“On behalf of the municipality and the residents of Blenheim, we’re very thankful for the investment,” Ceccacci said.

“It reaffirms that we are a great place to invest. We have great community people and great community businesses.”

Maizex Seeds, headquartered in Blenheim, markets corn, soybeans, canola, cereals and forage varieties under its Canadian farmer-owned joint venture with Sollio Agriculture, launched in 2018.