The Michigan Potash & Salt Co. (Michigan Potash) has announced the launch of its new salt business, which will produce 1 million t of food-quality salt, strategically located within a high-demand area of the US.
Salt is a natural co-product of the company’s potash crop nutrient business. The Michigan Salt facility will be the nation’s largest evaporative salt plant, and offers low-cost salt. It will produce premium food-grade, and low sodium salt products, to serve the diverse needs of American consumers, ensuring consistency and purity across food additives and water conditioning, while also supporting critical infrastructure needs like winter road safety and industrial manufacturing. High grade consumer salt prices have outpaced inflation for over two decades as a result of limited supply choice, and aging facilities. The average age of existing evaporative salt plants in the US is over 100 years.
The US experienced a shortage of de-icing salt this year because of aging salt facilities and cold weather, putting roads and drivers at risk. The situation prompted a direct address by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, to ensure that alternatives are available to keep drivers safe.
The US is the world’s largest purchaser of salt and, according to the US Geological Survey, the US imports 25% of its salt needs, primarily from Canada and Chile.
Salt production at the Evart facility will help meet the high demand for salt across the country and especially in the hard-water region of the Midwest, where this product will help homeowners and municipalities affordably soften their water.
“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,” said Ted Pagano, Michigan Potash Founder and CEO. “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.”
“The salt facility will initially produce 1 million t of high-grade salt and includes a bagging facility; both which are expected to grow over time," Pagano added. “We are proud to be a high-grade evaporative salt facility 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.”
In January 2025, the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Loan Programs Office (LPO) provided the company a conditional commitment for a loan of up to US$1.26 billion for the development of the technologically advanced and energy efficient potash and salt production facility.