Simplot’s Don Plant Celebrates 80 Years

January 21, 2025

We should all be as vital at 80 years old as Simplot's Don Plant! On Tuesday, Dec. 10 the iconic Simplot facility celebrated its milestone 80th anniversary with an on-site gathering of employees, dignitaries, and Simplot leadership.

Community guests included Idaho State University President Dr. Robert Wagner, regional mayors, and area county commissioners. Members of local chambers of commerce and the Company's United Way partners also attended.

Garrett Lofto speaks at the 80th anniversary celebration

Don Plant Manager Trisha Arave kicked off the event, followed by President and CEO Garrett Lofto. In his remarks, Lofto highlighted the importance of our Company's work and the Don Plant's place in it. "We do truly go from the mine - Smoky Canyon - all the way through the Don Plant to farms and ranches and food processing facilities and to the consumer's plate," he said. He also touched on why phosphate so is important, pointing out that nearly every living cell in the world - whether plant, animal or human - requires it.

As the Company's first fertilizer manufacturing facility, The Don Plant - named after J.R. Simplot's son Don - was key to the birth of Simplot's mining and manufacturing operations 80 years ago. The anniversary event featured a series of display boards that showcased this history, as well as Company history and our sustainability efforts.

The Don Plant is also a cornerstone of the Pocatello region. Simplot has more than 400 plant employees in the area; they are a vital part of the community as neighbors, employers, consumers and friends. The facility also hires local contractors and businesses to regularly help us with our work.

At the anniversary celebration, incoming AgriBusiness President G. Rey Reinhardt expressed his thanks to the attendees and their constituents. "We're so grateful for the community support, but here's the reality: We have to earn your support every single day we come to work. Period." He went on to emphasize the Company's commitment to community and thanked everyone for making time to come to the event.

AgriBusiness President G. Ray Reinhardt makes remarks

And the December event isn't the end of the milestone-recognition activities: the 80th anniversary celebration continues with more events in the coming months. "We want to celebrate it with the people that have helped make us successful," said Simplot Public Affairs Manager Andrea Gumm, reflecting on the interconnectedness of the plant and the community.

Operations at the Don Plant support Simplot's Mission and Core Values. The facility's responsibly made fertilizer products help nourish lands where farmers grow crops, improving yields and helping contribute to feeding our world now and for future generations.

Director and Simplot Family member John Otter may have put it best in his remarks at the celebration: "With 80 years here in Pocatello, Don Plant, we're just getting started."

You can see more from the event in the video below, and learn more about Simplot Mining and Manufacturing here.