Bayer Expands Capacity for Nativo Fungicide Production

Posted by Jackie Pucci|22 September 2014

Bayer CropScience is expanding production at its Muttenz site in Switzerland and inaugurated a new production facility, in response to growing demand for crop protection products.

“This recently undertaken investment of approximately EUR 100 million ($128 million) will make Muttenz a central site from which we will be able to serve the global demand for the Nativo family of crop protection products,” said Bayer CropScience CEO Liam Condon. Nativo is the company’s fungicide line that helps control soybean rust and many other fungal diseases in nearly 100 different crop plants.

Since acquiring the Muttenz site in 2000, Bayer has invested continuously in the manufacturing facilities there. The most recent investment brings the total to EUR 200 million ($257 million). In addition, the headcount has more than tripled over the past 15 years to 230 full-time positions at present. Another approximately 30 jobs for qualified personnel will be created through 2015.

The site produces various intermediates for the synthesis of trifloxystrobin, an active substance with a broad spectrum of action against fungal diseases in many fruit, vegetable and cereal varieties which is used successfully around the world. “Against the background of difficult climatic conditions and limited arable land, we are helping to safeguard the supply of healthy food for a growing world population,” explained Condon.