Syngenta, a global agtech company headquartered in Switzerland, recently celebrated the opening of a new 22,000-square-foot facility off Industrial Way in Pasco. The $15 million addition to its Pasco operation will help the company continue moving “into the future,” according to Casey Young, a regional processing manager for Syngenta.
The facility, which came online in July, is dedicated to processing, treating, and packing vegetable seeds. While Syngenta already had a 200,000-square-foot processing facility at the site, the new addition focuses specifically on small seeds, ranging from cauliflower to watermelon. This expansion allows Syngenta to better serve the global agriculture industry from its Pasco location.
At the Pasco site, approximately 2 million kilograms of seeds are handled annually, with a capacity for up to 3.2 million. The seeds processed at the facility are not grown on-site; instead, they are cleaned, sorted, and packaged for customers worldwide. Young explained that upon arrival, the seeds may contain impurities such as rind, broken seed stems, or dirt, which are removed to ensure a high-quality product for customers.
Currently, around 56 people work full-time at the Pasco site, with three new hires brought on board due to the expansion. The new facility boasts five lines for processing seeds, with the potential to add more in the future. Young emphasized the importance of the new state-of-the-art facility, stating that it allows for faster processing and delivery of seeds to growers.
The original Pasco facility was opened by Syngenta in 2009 and handled both large and small seeds. However, the need for a separate small-seed operation became apparent over time. Michael Johnston, the global head of vegetable seeds and flowers for Syngenta, explained that while large seeds like sweet corn or peas require different equipment and processes due to their volume, smaller seeds have unique requirements that necessitated a separate facility.
Johnston highlighted the strategic importance of the Pasco site and the greater Mid-Columbia region to Syngenta. He praised the high-quality workforce and talent in the area, emphasizing the company’s commitment to adding value to the Tri-Cities community. The Syngenta site, located at 5516 Industrial Way, was constructed by Andersen Construction with design handled by Hummel Architects.
In conclusion, the opening of the new vegetable seed processing facility in Pasco represents a significant milestone for Syngenta. With a focus on small seeds and state-of-the-art equipment, the company is poised to continue its growth and innovation in the global agriculture industry.
