Southern States Chemical is pleased to announce the acquisition of an idled sulphuric acid plant in Augusta, Ga. from Chemtrade Logistics. The industrial plant, which is located at 1580 Columbia Nitrogen Dr., will be renovated and reopen as a Southern States Chemical domestic production facility, bringing 30 new jobs and significant investment to the region.

 “In order to provide better security of supply, we decided to open a plant in Augusta, which is strategically located near many of our existing customers,” said Key Compton, the president of Southern States Chemical. “In addition, this site offers an inland production location that will continue to operate in the event of weather disruptions at our coastal production sites.”

Southern States Chemical is returning to its roots in Augusta, where the company was originally established in 1897 as Southern States Phosphate and Fertilizer Company. One of the company’s great honors involved donating soil amendments and fertilizer materials to support the construction of the course at Augusta National Golf Club in 1932. Southern States operated a production facility near the Savannah River in Augusta for many years and moved its offices to Savannah, Ga. in 1936. 

Today, Southern States Chemical maintains stellar safety and operational records at three plant locations in Savannah, Ga. and Wilmington, N.C. The company has earned the elite CSX Chemical Safety Excellence Award for five consecutive years and has a strong commitment to sustainability.

“We’re delighted to welcome Southern States Chemical back to Augusta and appreciate the fact that the company is making an investment in the future of Richmond County,” said Steven Kendrick, Chairman of the Augusta Economic Development Authority. “We think Augusta, which is Georgia’s third largest city, is an ideal place for business and industry to locate, expand and grow.” 

The Southern States Chemical purchase will provide opportunities for other industrial companies to bring back high-wage jobs to the Augusta area. In addition, the company’s basic building block chemical plant will create excess steam, which can help future co-located industries reduce carbon emissions.

“We look forward to opening our newest production facility in Augusta and to being a good neighbor,” said Stephen Dees, Vice President of Sales at Southern States Chemical. “As transportation and supply chain issues have become more challenging in recent months, we have consistently demonstrated our reliability to our customers, setting our company apart in a fast-changing industry. We are deeply honored to rejoin the business community in Augusta.”