Western Sugar growers get closer to purchase of company.
The Rocky Mountain Sugar Growers Co-op has signed a memorandum of understanding with Tate & Lyle North American Sugars to purchase Western Sugar Company in Scottsbluff, NE, and all assets. Growers in Montana, Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming produce sugarbeets for the company.
Mike Vasa, president of the NEBCO Beet Growers Association, says various financial institutions are reviewing grower and cooperative financing. All parties are looking for a closing date prior to March of 2001.
"I think it's a great opportunity and it will allow growers more stability," Vasa says. "Sometimes the best opportunities come at the darkest hour."