Koch Fertilizer Dodge City Celebrates 50 Years with Final Friday Reception
Thanks to employee commitment and community support, Koch Fertilizer Dodge City (Koch Fertilizer) is celebrating 50 years of fertilizer production this month.
“This anniversary is a credit to all of the employees who have been a part of the site’s history,” said D.J. Lutz, Koch Fertilizer plant manager. “We thank and congratulate our current and former employees for all they have done to sustain fertilizer production in western Kansas during the past 50 years. We also thank the community for its support.”
To celebrate, Koch Fertilizer is hosting a public reception Oct. 26 during Final Friday activities at the Carnegie Center for the Arts from 5-7 pm.
“This area is built on agriculture,” said Kimberly Nichols, Koch Fertilizer HR manager. “The products we produce play an integral part in helping our area commerce, businesses and individuals succeed and thrive. We are proud to be a part of our city, county and area’s accomplishments.”
Built in 1968, the site produces anhydrous ammonia and urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) fertilizers, which are used by farmers locally and across the Great Plains. The plant became a Koch Fertilizer, LLC site in 2003 and employs 84 people.
According to Lutz, Koch has invested more than $150 million during the past 15 years into the plant to expand manufacturing capabilities and to make it safer, more reliable and a more rewarding place to work. The location has earned several stewardship and sustainability awards from transportation partners.
As a member of the community, Koch Fertilizer partners with local first responders, schools and charitable organizations.
The company provides about $50,000 each year in philanthropic support to local initiatives and organizations such as Dodge City Salvation Army, Ford County Fire and EMS, Dodge City YMCA, the Dodge City Roundup Rodeo and many more.
Furthermore, Koch Fertilizer is actively involved in civic organizations including the Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce, Ford County Development Corporation, the Dodge City Salvation Army Advisory Board and the Crisis Center of Dodge City.
“The community is a part of our success,” Nichols said. “This facility touches so many lives through supporting area families, adding to the local economy through hotel, restaurant and commerce opportunities as well as sponsorships and volunteer activities. The community is a part of the success of Koch, and through its success, we succeed.”
For questions about the reception, call Katie Stephenson at katie.stephenson@kochind.com. To learn more about Koch Fertilizer and career opportunities, visit www.kochcareers.com.