PIONEERS IN FERTILIZER
INNOVATION
Our presence in the fertilizer industry dates back to 1904 with the founding of Pursell Industries in Sylacauga, AL. And our passion for the industry is just as strong now as it was then.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to develop and commercialize next-generation fertilizer coating technology that increases crop yields, enhances human nutrition and improves environmental impact on water and the climate.
We believe that healthier food means healthier people, and that nurturing our crops and soils with better, more sustainable fertilizer solutions will help to drastically reduce malnutrition.
THE PROOF IS IN OUR PEOPLE
Our deep industry roots, experienced leadership and operations teams, extensive market knowledge, strategic partnerships and collaborations, and cutting-edge research and development allow us to offer best-in-class products tailored to the needs of our customers.
- Sales team brings more than 75 years of Specialty Fertilizer Experience
- PAT Senior Management has a combined 150 years of experience
- Dedicated team of plant operators averaging more than 15 years in the controlled-release fertilizer business
- R&D facility researchers have 30 years of experience in the controlled-release fertilizer industry
THE PROOF IS IN OUR PEOPLE
INNOVATION IN ACTION
Industry Recognition
We are proud to be recognized by esteemed organizations for the innovative and sustainable solutions we develop.
The USDA/EPA Next Gen Fertilizer Challenges recognize currently marketed fertilizers and innovative fertilizer concepts that help reduce the impacts from row crop agriculture on the environment, while maintaining or increasing agricultural productivity and profitability. Pursell technology has advanced to Phase II of the Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizer Environmental and Agronomic Challenge and was named a winner in the Next Gen Fertilizer Innovations Challenge.
Pursell and Huntsman Corporation received the Polyurethane Innovation Award from The Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) for joint development of polyurethane-based, controlled-release fertilizer coating that uses a unique combination of novel chemistry and processing techniques to address the agronomic needs of today’s crop growers.
Our Team
TIM FERGUSON
Chief Executive Officer
As CEO, Tim plays a pivotal role in driving strategic direction, operational excellence, financial performance, and sustainable growth, while also ensuring compliance, fostering innovation, and nurturing industry partner and customer relationships.
Tim is the founder of Water Science Technologies, an oilfield chemicals company, which he sold to Italmatch Chemicals Group in 2019 and also co-founded Solen, Inc., a regional water treatment company. Prior to founding his own company, Tim held positions at Koppers and General Motors.
Tim graduated from the University of Alabama where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and MBA.
ALLEN SANDERS
Chief Operating Officer
As COO, Allen oversees all Pursell production and bagging facilities, as well as plant expansion. His experience dates back to 1987 and includes support of production, purchasing, logistics, HR and consulting with companies constructing time-released fertilizer facilities in Europe.
Allen was instrumental in operations startup for the original Pursell companies in Sylacauga, Alabama, as well as the expansion of operations into other states and internationally.
He earned his Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and his Master’s in Environmental Management from Samford University.
JOE BRADY
Chief Financial Officer
As CFO, Joe specializes in capital raises, finance, R&D/IP, international licensing, strategic planning and marketing. Joe also leads Pursell sustainability initiatives and industry collaborations to drive awareness and adoption of innovative technologies that improve nutrient use efficiency and environmental stewardship.
He worked in investment banking for a decade prior to Pursell. With a focus on energy and industrials, Joe led dozens of sell-side processes for middle market companies and successfully completed transactions in the energy, healthcare, digital media and manufacturing industries.
He has experience in corporate and startup environments in the U.S. and abroad. Prior to investment banking, he was a manager at Andersen in Atlanta and London, focusing on advanced technology and ERP implementations for Fortune 500 companies. He then focused on technology startups and moved on to become technology director and board member of a U.K. financial services portal.
Joe earned his Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering from the University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
JASON WOULFIN
Director of International
Sales
Jason is responsible for driving global sales growth and expanding Pursell presence in international markets.
He joined the company in 2018 with more than a decade of experience in the specialty fertilizer market, having previously led development projects for SQM that grew the use of specialized fertilizers throughout non-traditional markets and crops. Jason’s expertise across agriculture extends from production and supply chain to farm-level application, driving a broad understanding of the industry and ability to identify strategic partnership opportunities.
He earned his Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
TIM HOLT
Director of Research
and Development
Tim leads process and product development for Pursell’s robust fertilizer coatings portfolio, maintaining heavy involvement in all related branches of new research and product testing. He has held numerous scientific, leadership and project management roles throughout his career, and has supported clients worldwide that serve a variety of chemical industries, including fertilizer, food and pharmaceuticals.
Prior to Pursell, Tim held many scientific, leadership and project management roles during his nearly three decades of employment at Applied Chemical Technology, working with all types of fertilizer technologies, including the development of various nitrogen, phosphate and potassium-based fertilizers. He is currently listed as a co-inventor of 17 granted U.S. patents involving new fertilizer developments.
Tim earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Industrial Hygiene from the University of North Alabama.
BILL ABETZ
Director of Turf
and Ornamentals
Bill serves the nursery, greenhouse, lawn care, golf, sod and sports turf markets in his role as Director of Turf and Ornamentals, delivering Pursell’s complete controlled-release fertilizer product portfolio to channel partners and end user customers. He brings hands-on experience in nutrient management as a former assistant golf course superintendent and nursery operations manager, plus more than 20 years in chemical and fertilizer sales and product development. Bill has introduced multiple products and new product categories and is highly respected in the industry, frequently speaking at landscape, golf and nursery association meetings.