Shell invests in Northern Nutrients to triple fertilizer production in Saskatoon

Northern Nutrients, a Canadian producer of enhanced nitrogen-sulphur fertilizers, is entering a new phase of growth with a strategic investment from Shell Trading Canada. The partnership involves a joint venture that will finance the expansion of Northern Nutrients’ manufacturing facility near Saskatoon, tripling its annual production capacity from 50,000 to 150,000 metric tonnes.

Founded in 2016, Northern Nutrients specializes in sulphur-focused fertilizers and uses Shell’s proprietary Thiogro technology. Its primary product, Arctic S, contains 11% nitrogen and 75% micronized elemental sulphur, and has been locally manufactured since 2022. According to the company, market demand across North America has outpaced expectations since production began.

“Since local production of Arctic S began in 2022, the market response across North America has exceeded our expectations, making now the perfect time to expand our production capacity—and Shell the perfect partner to do it with,” said Ross Guenther, CEO and co-owner of Northern Nutrients.

The plant expansion is expected to generate approximately 60 full-time construction jobs, along with additional permanent positions once the upgraded facility becomes operational.

“Bringing Shell Trading Canada on as a strategic joint venture partner makes sense on multiple levels to continue the momentum Northern Nutrients has built over the past few years,” added Rob Owens, co-owner of the company.

Northern Nutrients and Shell stated that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to supplying retailers and farmers with efficient, high-quality fertilizer products to meet growing demand, particularly for sulphur-based nutrients.