Charleston Regional Development Alliance

Berkeley, Charleston & Dorchester Counties

Printed from www.crda.org

Innovative new product will be manufactured in the Charleston region

Oct. 29, 2007
For Immediate Release
X-Calibur Plant Health Company, the sole North American manufacturer of Plantacote controlled release fertilizer, will be based in the Charleston region with plans to open its headquarters and manufacturing facility by the end of 2007. The company’s cutting-edge fertilizer technology was developed in Germany and marketed in the U.S. since 1999.

The German developer, Aglukon, granted its U.S. Plantacote manufacturing license to X-Calibur in a long-term agreement. The product allows plant growers (mostly commercial) a more efficient, economical and environmentally-friendly way to continuously feed nutrients. X-Calibur Plant Health Company‘s first U.S. manufacturing facility will be located in Dorchester County’s McQueen Park and will initially employ 25 local residents with plans in place for additional growth.

“The horticulture industry has been steadily growing since 1990 and the American market continues to be the largest user of controlled release fertilizers,” said Ron Soldo, X-Calibur Plant Health Company President & CEO. “With our new facility in the Charleston region, we feel confident we can make a significant impact in the nursery and greenhouse market with the technology found in Plantacote.”

Company executives considered locations in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia before deciding to make a substantial capital investment in Dorchester County. “It makes sense for us to open our facility in the Charleston region with the area’s pro-business environment, cooperative community and deepwater port. We plan on being here long-term,” said Soldo.

“It is exciting to see such an innovative and forward-thinking company choose the Charleston region,” Alliance Chairman Robert L. Pratt said. “They bring a lot to the table in terms of potential expansion, rapid growth, and quality worldwide connections."

Dorchester County Council Chairman Larry Hargett said, “Today’s announcement has significance beyond its positive impact on our local community. X-Calibur has developed new technologies to improve the environment. We’re pleased and proud that the company saw our county as a place to invest for the future.”

“X-Calibur produces controlled release fertilizers that employ environmentally friendly technology. Thanks to the team efforts of state and local officials, the company will be a welcome addition to the business community,” said Joe Taylor, S.C. Secretary of Commerce.

About X-Calibur Plant Health Company
X-Calibur Plant Health Company is focused on serving the ornamental horticulture market by providing superior plant health solutions to commercial growers. First and foremost among these is the Plantacote line of controlled release fertilizers. www.x-calibur.com

About the Charleston Regional Development Alliance
The Charleston Regional Development Alliance represents Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties with a mission to create improved opportunities for all residents within this three-county region. Working with a statewide network of allies, the Alliance markets Charleston to the world as a preferred location for business, and helps to facilitate new investment within the three-county area. To learn more, go to charlestoneconomicdevelopment.com.
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