The two companies say they plan to commit ‘significant resources’ to marketing and development of the Roundup brands in both countries, and over time will introduce a comprehensive range of complementary crop protection productions.
Sinochem Australia is a fully-owned subsidiary of state-owned Chinese global chemical firm Sinochem International, which tried to buy Nufarm in 2009.
Sinochem may begin distributing Roundup products in Australia and New Zealand on a non-exclusive basis on June 1, with the exclusive agreement taking effect from September onward.
Monsanto says it believe Sinochem, which already distributes Roundup in China and the Philippines, will do an outstanding job serving Australasian customers.
Headquartered in Melbourne, Sinochem Australia is run by several former Monsanto executives, including managing director Roger Angell, a former head of Australia and NZ for Monsanto who has extensive management experience in crop protection markets in the US and Europe.
Commercial manager Richard Jagger has had a 25 year career in Australia with Monsanto and Roundup brands.
Operations manager and NZ country lead Michael Summons is a former NZ country manager for Monsanto, with extensive experience in the Australian and NZ crop protection business.
Managing director Roger Angell will sit on the board of Sinochem Australia alongside directors nominated by Sinochem International.
Sinochem Australia Melbourne-based executive Herman Loos will be company secretary.
Angell says Sinochem Australia’s focus is on the company’s relationship with distribution businesses in Australia and NZ.
“Our role is to work with these important customers, understand their business issues, and work to add-value to how they service their farmer customers.
“Our initial focus is marketing the quality and effectiveness of Roundup products. “Roundup products will be made to Monsanto Company specifications using Monsanto high quality raw materials.
“Roundup products will continue meeting Monsanto’s high quality standards and will be produced with the same raw materials used globally.”
As the business grows in Australia, Angell says the company will look to formulate and produce some product at Australian plants.
Sinochem Australia’s senior management team is in place and now seeking to recruit a team to of experienced agribusiness sales and marketing, customer service, operations and administration staff, he says.
Monsanto ended Nufarm’s distributorship for Roundup products in Australia and NZ in early March, citing changes in the glyphosate market in recent years.