The Michigan Potash & Salt Co. (Michigan Salt) has announced the launch of its new salt business, which aims to produce one million tons of high-quality food-grade salt annually. Strategically located in the Midwest, the facility is positioned to address the growing demand for salt across the United States while offering a cost-effective and sustainable solution for various industries.
A Natural Co-Product of Potash Production
Salt is a natural byproduct of the company’s potash crop nutrient business, making the new operation both resource-efficient and economically viable. Food-Grade The Michigan Salt facility will be the largest evaporative salt plant in the nation and is set to become the newest and lowest-cost salt producer in the market. The facility will provide a range of premium salt products, including food-grade and low-sodium varieties, ensuring consistent quality and purity for multiple applications, including food processing, water conditioning, industrial manufacturing, and road safety during winter.
The United States has long faced challenges related to salt supply and affordability, as high-grade consumer salt prices have outpaced inflation for over two decades. This issue is largely due to limited supply options and aging infrastructure. Food-Grade The average age of existing evaporative salt plants in the U.S. exceeds 100 years, making Michigan Salt’s cutting-edge facility a welcome addition to the industry.
Addressing Salt Shortages and Dependence on Imports
Recent years have highlighted the urgency of expanding domestic Food-Grade salt production. The United States experienced a shortage of de-icing salt this year, exacerbated by aging production facilities and harsh winter conditions. This shortage posed serious risks to road safety, prompting direct intervention from New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who emphasized the need for alternative salt sources to ensure public safety.
Currently, the United States is the largest purchaser of salt globally. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the country imports approximately 25% of its total salt needs, with the majority coming from Canada and Chile. By increasing domestic production, Michigan Salt aims to reduce dependence on foreign imports while improving the affordability and accessibility of high-quality salt for American consumers and industries.
A Strategic Location for Maximum Impact
The new salt production facility is located in Evart, Michigan, an area known for its high demand for salt due to its hard water conditions and cold winters. The plant’s strategic location ensures that both residential and municipal customers can access premium salt products at competitive prices. In particular, water-softening salt will become more affordable and widely available to homeowners and municipalities, addressing a critical need in the region.
Ted Pagano, founder and CEO of Michigan Potash & Salt Co., emphasized the importance of salt in everyday life and public safety.
“From reducing ice on our roadways to seasoning our foods, salt plays a critical role in enhancing public safety and improving our quality of life,” Pagano stated. “The high-quality mineral from our new salt production facility will be an incredible option for residential, business, and government users to access food-grade salt and de-icing salt at affordable rates.”
Expanding Capacity and Future Growth
The new facility is set to produce an initial one million tons of high-grade salt annually. The site will also feature a state-of-the-art bagging facility, enabling efficient distribution to various consumer and industrial markets. As demand continues to rise, Michigan Salt expects both production capacity and the bagging facility to expand over time, ensuring sustained growth and a steady supply of premium salt.
Sustainable and Cost-Effective Production
One of the key advantages of Michigan Salt’s facility is its dual production of both high-quality salt and potash fertilizer. This integrated approach allows the company to maximize efficiency and sustainability while keeping costs low. The ability to produce and distribute both critical nutrients from a single site represents a major advancement in resource management and economic viability.
“We are proud to be the only state-of-the-art, high-grade evaporative salt facility in the country that also produces critical potash fertilizer, allowing us to sustainably produce and distribute both nutrients in a cost-effective manner for the benefit of consumers,” Pagano added.
Government Support and Industry Advancements
The launch of Michigan Salt’s new facility comes at a time when government agencies are supporting advancements in sustainable resource production. In January, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Loan Programs Office (LPO) provided Michigan Potash & Salt Co. with a conditional commitment for a loan of up to $1.26 billion. This funding is intended to support the development of the technologically advanced and energy-efficient potash and salt production facility.
The DOE’s backing highlights the importance of increasing domestic salt and potash production to enhance food security, infrastructure resilience, and economic stability. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices, Michigan Salt aims to become a key player in the U.S. salt and potash industries, helping to secure a more stable and self-sufficient supply chain for these essential minerals.
