Key Takeaways:
- Omya has completed the first phase of upgrades at its Wathena, Kansas agricultural minerals facility.
- Renovations support the company’s long-term plan to expand in the Midwest and Great Plains regions.
- Upgrades include quality control enhancements, new processing equipment, and improved employee facilities.
- The facility is positioned to serve markets in row crops, specialty crops, turfgrass, and home retail.
- Additional improvements are scheduled for 2025 as part of Omya’s continued regional growth strategy.
Omya Finalizes Initial Modernization Phase at Eastern Kansas Plant
Omya, a global supplier of industrial minerals and specialty chemical distribution, has announced the completion of Phase 1 of its revitalization project at the company’s agricultural minerals facility in Wathena, Kansas. The upgrades establish a foundation for expanded service in the Midwest agricultural sector, including fertilizer solutions for row crops, turfgrass, specialty crops, and consumer markets.
Acquired in 2022, the Wathena site—now known as Omya Kansas—has undergone extensive modernization to align with the company’s global production standards for mineral-based fertilizers made from limestone, gypsum, and dolomitic lime.
Omya’s Facility Enhancements Target Quality and Operational Efficiency
List of Key Upgrades
The renovation included a range of infrastructure and equipment improvements:
- Installation of new quality control lab space
- Enhanced dust removal systems and feed controls
- Refurbished roller mills and pin mixers
- Upgraded product sizing screens
- HVAC system improvements for control rooms
- Refurbished break and locker rooms
- New site signage for safety and navigation
- Addition of a mobile vacuum trailer for facility maintenance
“This revitalization project is a success because a lot of critical upgrades came together to improve the overall work environment for our employees and meet Omya’s world-class standards,” said Olav Bergset, Director of Operations at Omya Kansas.
Regional Growth and Community Investment By Omya
Employee-Focused Improvements and Future Planning
Omya’s investments also included employee-centered enhancements, such as climate-controlled operational spaces and improved common areas. These efforts are part of a broader commitment to workforce development and community engagement in the region.
“Omya Kansas is now positioned to provide excellent soil health and nutrient management options to growers across the region for years to come,” Bergset added. “We’re also becoming a growing source of good jobs in the community.”
With Phase 1 completed, Omya plans to begin Phase 2 of the plant upgrades in 2025. The next stage will further enhance the facility’s production capabilities as part of the company’s Midwest expansion strategy.
