GROWMARK revamps supply chain operations with hires

Ag cooperative GROWMARK recently announced organizational changes designed to optimize its supply chain.

Rod Wells has been appointed to the new position of Executive Director, Enterprise Supply Chain Optimization effective August 1. In this role, Wells will lead the overall GROWMARK supply chain organization from the various wholesale divisions through corporately-owned retail divisions and FS member cooperatives to the farm gate. Wells has 31 years of experience with GROWMARK. He most recently served as Crop Nutrients Division Manager. He will continue to report to GROWMARK Vice President of Agronomy Mark Orr.

A search for Wells’ replacement in crop nutrients is underway.

Joe Tearney has been promoted to Manager, Barge and Rail Logistics, reporting to the Crop Nutrients Division Manager, also effective August 1. Tearney will be responsible for all aspects of barge and rail transportation within the Crop Nutrients Division at GROWMARK. This includes rate negotiations, equipment leases, and barge and rail freight contracting. Tearney has 27 years of experience with GROWMARK and previously served as Traffic Manager in the Energy and Logistics Division.

Mark Orr said the organizational changes will accelerate GROWMARK’s pursuit of an optimized and efficient supply chain.

GROWMARK provides agronomy, energy, facility planning and logistics products and services, as well as grain marketing and risk management services. The coop operates in more than 40 U.S. states, as well as Canada, and reported $7.3 billion in sales during 2017.