New investment strengthens Canadian-grown seed corn production and supports farmers
Maizex Seeds, the seed division of Sollio Agriculture, has announced the groundbreaking of an $8.8 million investment in a new seed corn processing and packaging plant at its Blenheim, Ontario facility.
“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,” says Casper Kaastra, Chief Executive Officer of Sollio Agriculture.
“Our goal has always been to build a national seed business offering best-in-class products adapted to Canada’s unique environment. This investment reinforces that strategy while contributing to the region’s economic vitality.”
State-of-the-Art Facility
The new plant will replace an existing processing facility acquired in 2019 and will feature advanced cleaning, sizing, and packaging equipment. Designed with efficiency and seed quality in mind, the plant will emulate the successful single-storey flow-through design of Maizex’s Tilbury facility, incorporating additional automation and capabilities.
“Maizex has always prioritized seed quality in its processing approach,” notes Blake Ashton, General Manager of Maizex Seeds. “This new facility builds on that legacy and positions us for future growth.”
Supporting Canadian Farmers
Located in Chatham-Kent, one of the world’s premier seed corn production regions, Maizex leverages a long frost-free growing season and consistent moisture patterns to produce top-performing hybrids for every Canadian maturity zone.
The investment will help meet growing demand for seed corn while supporting local economic development and providing value-added opportunities for area farmers.
Maizex Seeds, a joint venture with Sollio Agriculture launched in 2018, produces and markets corn hybrids, soybean varieties, canola hybrids, forages, cereals, and seed-based technologies for Canadian farmers.