Aug 27, 2025Tessenderlo Kerley opens Ohio fertilizer plant
Tessenderlo Kerley has opened its newest liquid fertilizer production facility in Defiance, Ohio. The opening represents a major milestone in the company’s commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture across North America, according to a news release.
Located on a 50-acre site, the state-of-the-art facility will produce essential crop nutrients including Thio-Sul, KTS and K-Row 23, supporting growers throughout the U.S. and Canada. The facility strengthens cross-border access to high-quality fertilizers and reinforces Tessenderlo Kerley’s dedication to environmentally responsible farming, according to the release.
“This facility is beyond infrastructure — it’s a symbol of our promise to farmers, growers and communities,” Russell Sides, Tessenderlo Kerley’s executive vice president, said in the release. “We’re proud to expand our footprint in Defiance and deliver the reliable, science-driven nutrients needed to grow healthy, productive crops sustainably.”
The Defiance facility is equipped with advanced production and distribution capabilities, ensuring efficient delivery through Tessenderlo Kerley’s trusted network. It also brings new jobs and economic growth to the region.
This achievement was made possible by the generosity and foresight of the Plummer family, whose dedication to Defiance helped pave the way for the industrial park where the facility now stands, according to the release.
“Their vision laid the groundwork for something truly transformative,” Sides said in the release. “We’re honored to be part of Defiance’s future and grateful for the warm welcome.”
The opening of Tessenderlo Kerley’s new facility is a win for Defiance and the region, Mayor Mike McCann said in the release.
“It brings quality jobs, strengthens our economy, and reflects a shared commitment to sustainability and responsible growth,” he said in the release. “We’re proud to partner with a company that values innovation and community.”
With full-scale operations now underway, Tessenderlo Kerley looks forward to growing alongside the Defiance community, building a stronger, more sustainable future for agriculture.
Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Tessenderlo Kerley is a liquid fertilizer and crop nutrition and crop protection products producer and marketer. Part of the Tessenderlo Group, founded in 1919, and The Kerley Chemical Company, founded in 1947, Tessenderlo Kerley produces fertilizers that promote environmental sustainability and profitability for growers. With 14 manufacturing plants across North America, in addition to agriculture, Tessenderlo Kerley specializes in products for the mining, water treatment and process chemical industries..
