It was a celebration decades in the making, as Simplot recognized 40 years of its Rock Springs Plant with a very special event in June. Since 1986, this Company fertilizer production site has been a critical link in global food production and a cornerstone in Wyoming’s economy. More than 350 employees currently work at the plant.
The two days of festivities started with an evening reception for dignitaries at Western Wyoming College in Rock Springs. In a light-filled event hall, local and state leaders joined Simplot leadership to mark the anniversary, celebrating the Rock Springs plant and its impact.
Guests enjoy the celebration of Rock Springs’ 40th anniversary
Guests viewed comprehensive displays on the Company and the Rock Springs facility and visited over refreshments. They also heard from members of the Simplot Leadership Team, including CEO and President Garrett Lofto, Director John Otter and AgriBusiness President G.Rey Reinhardt.
Rock Springs Plant Manager Mark Rubich also shared his thoughts with the group. Standing at the lectern under a festive balloon arch in Simplot colors, he said about the plant, “I’m proud of the contributions it’s made to both agriculture and our local industry and all of the jobs it’s provided to the residents of Sweetwater County for all these years. We’re honored to have you to celebrate this event.”
G.Rey Reinhardt at the evening reception
In his remarks, Reinhardt made a point of highlighting the importance of Simplot’s closed loop, domestic supply chain moving phosphate ore from Vernal to Rock Springs. “We know where our ore is coming from. We can get that ore to Rock Springs and then Rock Springs is able to produce and supply critical nutrients that crops need to grow.” He added that food security is national security, making Rock Springs critical to the community and the nation.
The second day of the celebration, for employees, retirees, and their families, happened the following day at the plant. Under a big, white windowed tent, an enthusiastic crowd of guests lined up to partake of burgers, hot dogs and potato salad from the buffet. Folks also enjoyed cupcakes and slices of a multi-tier cake boasting a giant “40” on top.
Garrett Lofto greets a friend at the Rock Springs plant
In addition to visiting and catching up, activities included plant tours, a slide show and remarks from leadership, including Rubich and Vice President of Mining & Manufacturing Chris Morgan.
“It takes real pride and ownership to make a facility successful for 40 years,” Rubich said during his time at the lectern. “That has happened because of both our retired employees and the employees who work here now.”
He went on to highlight employee contributions in the community – Rock Springs and the whole of Sweetwater County. “From charities to our youth sports to our schools … our employees are involved in almost anything that happens in this county. It speaks to the kind of pride this facility generates,” he said.
Chris Morgan visits with a guest at the Rock Springs event
When Morgan took the mic he honored the world class work that happens every day at Rock Springs. “It’s truly an amazing accomplishment. It’s a celebration of not just the facility, it’s a celebration of all of you,” he pointed out. “Between the Family support for this facility and all of you, I’ve never been more proud to be associated with such an excellent group of people working hard every day.
“Congratulations on 40 years. Let’s go another hundred,” he concluded.
Simplot’s Rock Springs plant demonstrates the magic that happens when long-term commitment, investments and innovation, and employee pride and stewardship come together. Cheers to the past, present and future of this critical resource benefiting community, country and the Simplot Company.
The Rock Springs plant
Learn more about Simplot AgriBusiness here.
