Yara North America Inc. will build a bulk dry fertilizer storage and distribution facility at the Port of Stockton in California that will serve as the gateway to California and the West.

The facility will consist of a new, state-of-the-art warehouse with a storage capacity of 80,000 tons of fertilizer and will also utilize existing buildings on Rough and Ready Island at the port.

“There are few ports on the West Coast that can efficiently handle dry bulk fertilizers. Stockton is ideal as a centrally located, inland port in one of the most important agricultural areas in North America. Our terminal, with its truck and rail capabilities will help to connect not only California, but the Western states to the rest of the world,” said Pete Valesares, president of Yara North America.

Lou Astbury, Western Region vice president added, “The facility will be able to provide improved service to our customers by having an adequate supply of products available and will be able to load a truck in less than 10 minutes so that deliveries can be made in an efficient manner. In addition, we have room for growth and the capacity to add new products.”

Besides urea, ammonium sulphate and sulphate of potash, Yara will distribute its portfolio of dry specialty fertilizers from the new warehouse. Dry calcium nitrate and homogenous NPK fertilizers from Yara have been increasing yield, quality, and profits for growers on the West Coast for over 60 years. The Stockton facility is the next step in bringing the benefits of Yara's premium offerings to the production of high-value crops through enhanced service for dealer customers.

Construction on the terminal will begin as soon as all permits are in place. Completion is scheduled for the first quarter of 2009. Stueve Construction Co. of Algona, Iowa, has been selected to build and manage the project, which will also have the most advanced environmental protections for receiving, storing, and loading of dry fertilizer. The project will represent an investment of $21 million.

More information on Yara North America, a subsidiary of Yara International ASA, can be found at www.yara.us.