GROWHOW, the UK’s largest fertiliser manufacturer, is to rebrand as CF Fertilisers UK Ltd.

David Hopkins, previously sales director at CF Industries’ headquarters in Chicago, which acquired GrowHow in July, has become managing director of the UK business.

Mr Hopkins has 30 years industry experience and started his commercial career with ICI’s agricultural division at Billingham, progressing to becoming director of industrial sales. He moved to the USA in 2006 with Terra Industries, which was subsequently bought by CF Industries.

Mr Hopkins, a Welshman, has a degree in agriculture from Reading University and a diploma in company direction from the Institute of Directors in London as well as practical farming experience.

He said: "CF Fertilisers UK will continue to invest in and manufacture at both Ince and Billingham so that we efficiently produce the market-leading fertilisers that farmers rely on to optimise crop performance and yields. And we’ll continue to advise our farmers about how to use our products in the most efficient way possible.

"We’re very excited about the opportunities ahead to work with British farmers to meet all their fertiliser needs."

CF Fertiliser UK employs 600 people at its head office and production facilities in Ince, Cheshire, and Billingham. Farmers will start to see the new brand at events, on orders and emails and the company website from early November.