Bayer celebrated the 25th anniversary of its Centralia site Thursday by hosting a luncheon and tours for staff, local growers and community organizations.

Founded in 1999, following a transition with Monsanto and Asgrow, Bayer ran its first seed through the production plant that year. The Centralia site has since become the internationalcompany’s leading soybean manufacturer in the region.

“We are looking to celebrate the employees that have helped get this plant to where it is today,” said Site Lead, Jared Pfeiffer “We are celebrating our growers, too. We have 150 growers this year. Of those 150 growers, 48 have been here since the beginning. They are all local to this area and have been contributing to Centralia and to this plant. We are also bringing the local community together, and that’s what it’s all about.”

Pfeiffer said Bayer is currently preparing for harvest, with production expected to begin during the first week of October.

Bayer Crop Science

618-249-6150

3421 U.S. Highway 51, Centralia, IL

Crop Protection Product Catalog (bayer.us)