Bio-stimulant

Bio-stimulant

David Sparks Ph.D.
David Sparks Ph.D.
A bio-stimulant product company called Integrated Biological Systems Inc. in Nampa recently expanded through an acquisition and I asked co-owner Angela Miller about their products.

 

For one Idaho family, a recent opportunity to expand their business was too good to pass up. Angela and Marvin Miller, now with the help of their son Aaron, have been running Integrated Biological Systems Inc. in Nampa since the 1980s, bringing fertilizer alternatives and soil enhancement products to farms in Idaho and beyond. IBS recently acquired Texas-based BioPlus Manufacturing, a longtime supplier of IBS’ bio-stimulant products. The expansion gives IBS the foundation to expand its reach across the United States, while continuing to ensure the highest-quality products and provide first-rate customer service. 

 

IBS provides fertilizer alternatives and soil enhancement products – including an organic line for organic crop production – that allow growers to reduce toxins and sodium in the soil, thereby improving crop quality and increasing nutrient value. The Millers started the business in Nampa in 1986 and have built longstanding relationships with clients ranging from small, family-owned farms to large, multitiered agricultural producers around the Northwest. The Millers consult with each client, working with them to provide a customized bio-stimulant package specific to their crop, climate and growing season.

 

When the Millers learned that one of their biggest suppliers, BioPlus Manufacturing, was up for sale, it presented the opportunity to grow. However, due to the timing of the buyout, the Millers needed to move quickly and secure a loan on a tight timeline that their lender wasn’t able to meet. The lender referred them to MoFi (formerly Montana & Idaho Community Development Corporation), a nonprofit financing company that provides loans to businesses that are unable to obtain traditional bank financing. MoFi provided a loan to help the Millers complete the buyout, and now IBS is making plans to continue expanding.

 

“We’re excited to keep providing our product to the farms we’ve had relationships with for years,” said Marvin. “We weren’t expecting this change to come along, but when it did, we didn’t want to just sit on our hands. We’re so excited to build on our longstanding relationship with the folks at BioPlus, a company we have worked with closely for decades.”

 

“We’re so pleased to see this family-owned business expand,” said MoFi President Dave Glaser. “The Millers have a strong reputation, and they’ve built it by supplying their customers with high-quality product and excellent customer service over many years. We are delighted that we can support them in taking their business to the next level with this agri-business loan.”

 

MoFi’s loans range from $1,000 to $2,000,000 and can be used for purposes such as purchase of real estate, equipment, inventory, business purchase, remodeling or working capital. Loan clients also receive one-on-one technical assistance in financial management, marketing, sales and other areas of business management. MoFi’s recent name change reflects the company’s expanding geographic footprint. It has an office in Boise, as well as offices in Missoula and Bozeman, Montana.

 

For more information about Integrated Biological Systems, visit www.intbiosysinc.com.

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