Ames, Iowa, USA
August 31, 2009

Becker Underwood, an Ames-based international developer, marketer and producer of bio-agronomic and specialty products, has announced organizational changes in its North American operations. The changes, according to CEO Dr. Peter Innes, were made to better organize and coordinate staff in serving a growing client portfolio, many of whom are taking increasing advantage of the company’s aggressive product-development program. There were no staff reductions and staffing additions are anticipated in the future.

“We have a product pipeline filled with exciting new technologies,” Innes said. “These have the potential to make significant contributions to the success of our customers and rapidly transform our business. We needed to organize ourselves to best take advantage of the opportunities offered by these new technologies.

“Becker Underwood prides itself in ‘always thinking ahead’,” Innes continued. “This means identifying new opportunities and committing the resources needed to turn ideas into products that deliver value to those who help us market them and those who use them. With that in mind, we realigned the North American marketing, sales, product management, customer service and manufacturing teams to take advantage of these opportunities.”

Paul Holliday assumes the position of director of marketing, sales and operations for North America. He now leads a consolidated U.S. business including inoculants, seed enhancements, horticultural and specialty products, and he will continue to head all Canadian operations. In addition, he will direct all manufacturing operations in the U.S. and Canada. Holliday will continue reporting to Innes.

Other new assignments, all who now report to Holliday, include:

• Cozette Hadley assumes the newly created position of horticulture and specialty products sales manager – U.S.
• Bill Romp fills the new position of strategic accounts lead – U.S. He heads up a team of national account and key account managers covering horticulture, specialty products, agricultural distribution and the seed industry. Romp also retains sales responsibility for all Seedbiotics products.
• Newly merged inoculants and seed enhancements sales teams now operate under the direction of Steve Bergschneider (northern regional sales manager) and Glen Wiggins (eastern and southern regional sales manager).
• Charlie Hale now leads a newly formed marketing team including product managers and customer service personnel as well as communication and package design functions.
• Chris Feiden, head of operations for the company’s St. Joseph, Missouri, production facility now also heads operations at the company’s Seedbiotics facility in Caldwell, Idaho.

All other U.S. business operations, including the company’s Colorbiotics® division and administrative functions continue reporting to Innes. All of the company’s international operations also continue to report to Innes.

“Becker Underwood’s ability to continually adapt to a changing world has always been a key component of our success,” Innes concludes. “These changes reflect that ongoing company strength.”

Becker Underwood, Inc., founded in 1982, is an international developer of bio-agronomic and specialty products. In addition to being the leading manufacturer of seed coatings and colorants, the company is also the leading global producer of inoculants, beneficial nematodes, and a wide range of agricultural and horticultural products. To learn more about its products, visit the company’s Web site at www.BeckerUnderwood.com.   

Website: http://www.seedquest.com/yellowpages/americas/usa/b/beckerunderwood/default.htm

Published: August 31, 2009