SALEM, Va. – Novozymes acquired Roots, a plant health care products company based in Kansas City, Mo. Roots will be integrated into Novozymes Biologicals, which was acquired by Novozymes A/S in July 2001.
According to Ted Melnik, Novozymes Biologicals president, the acquisition strengthens Novozymes’ position in the market for environmental microorganisms, which allow environmentally friendly growth enhancement and disease control for turf and horticultural markets.
“Acquiring Roots bolsters our position in the U.S. plant care market segment and fits well with our corporate strategy for growth,” Melnik says.
Roots develops and distributes organic based fertilizers, microbes, mycorrhizal fungi, biostimulants and micronutrients for the turf, ornamental, horticultural, landscaping and agricultural markets. Novozymes will establish an “in the field” Development Group to accelerate Novozymes’ introduction of new plant care products and provide improved technical assistance to customers. Under the Roots trademark, Novozymes Biologicals will also market products for use on golf courses and nurseries.
In addition to its corporate headquarters in Kansas City, Roots operates a granular production facility in Albion, Ind., and a research center in New Haven, Conn. The company maintains a global presence with sales in the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia.
Novozymes Biologicals employs approximately 170 worldwide with 130 people located in Salem, Va. Currently, Novozymes Biologicals plans to hire fourteen Roots employees.
The author is Managing Editor of Lawn & Landscape magazine and can be reached at nwisniewski@lawnandlandscape.com.