Fortigen Nitrogen Plant Breaks Ground

An official groundbreaking was held on March 11, 2016 for the Fortigen anhydrous ammonia plant that will be built near Geneva, NE. State and local officials spoke at the ceremony including Governor Pete Ricketts, Nebraska Senator Laura Ebke and Mayor Rod Norrie.

Governor Ricketts said “When we’re talking about growing Nebraska, this is exactly what we need. It’s about Nebraskans coming together.” He praised Fortigen LLC’s new venture as the perfect intersection of agriculture and manufacturing, two of the top industries in Nebraska.

Senator Ebke was also excited about the plant coming to the area. “It is a great day for District 32,” she said.

Representatives from the offices of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer and Ben Sasse and Congressman Adrian Smith also spoke briefly at the ceremony. 

Geneva Mayor Rod Norrie said the plant will be a huge economic boost to the community and the county. Making the plant possible was a community effort with lots of players behind the scenes. 

The plant will be built on about 15-20 acres on the eastern edge of Geneva across from the current Industrial site. Shawn Rana, CEO of Fortigen LLC, said the $75 plant will produce anhydrous ammonia fertilizer for local farmers. More than 150 construction jobs will be created to build the plant. Once the plant is up and operational 25-30 full-time employees will be needed.

David Scott, CEO of Tetrad Corporation which owns Fortigen, stressed the importance of working with local partners to make such ventures successful. He thanked the local leaders for welcoming Fortigen to the community. He said, “We look forward to continuing the growth of the operation.” 

Eric Kamler president of the Fillmore County Development Corporation and a member of the Geneva City Council and Geneva Chamber president said the jobs brought to the community by Fortigen will be quality, high paying jobs. “The plant will be a big boost to the community.”

The Geneva City Council at their April 12th meeting held public hearings and then approved a resolution to allow Fortigen LLC to use TIF financing for the project. Josh Westling with Tetrad Property Group told the City Council members he expects grading to start in week. They are planning for the plant to be operational by May of 2017.