Michigan Potash & Salt Co., (MPSC) and Barton Malow Co., the largest general contractor in Michigan, have finalized an agreement for the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) of the Michigan Potash and Salt facility in western rural Michigan, US.
Both companies have worked together over the past four years to make a progress with the EPC timeline of the potash manufacturing facility that is to be located in Evart Township – home to the world’s highest-grade potash ore. “MPSC and Barton Malow have advanced the technical and management documentation to a level that is much further defined compared to other similar projects,” said Rick Helper, EPC Program Manager for MPSC. “We are pleased to work with Barton Malow. They have a proven capability to safely and effectively deliver large projects in Michigan and the greater US.”
Seen from a broader perspective, US President Trump recently issued an order to secure reliable US supplies of 35 strategic minerals, including potash. The United States currently imports more than 95% of its potash needs, mainly from Russia, Belarus and Canada from four giant companies. The Michigan facility is strategically located in the US’ agriculture demand center of consumption and therefore lends immediate infrastructural and distribution strength of US fertilizer network. Soybean, corn, sugar beet, and potato farmers are some of the major potash dependent growers.
MPSC and Barton Malow will create around 260 direct construction jobs over a 3-year period, and approximate 150 direct full-time skilled trade jobs will be created once the facility is commissioned. The project delivers shared royalty, increases the industrial tax base, and reinvests sustaining capital of upwards of sixty million dollars every year. “Barton Malow is thrilled to be partnered with MPSC on this extraordinary project,” said Chuck Binkowski, Chief Operating Officer for Barton Malow Company. “This facility will positively impact agriculture in the US for many years to come.”
