Scottish-based agritech startup Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS) has announced Loveland, Colorado, has been selected for its North America expansion.

Opening a base of operations in Loveland will allow the company to better support North American customers, the company’s fastest growing market.

The company designs, produces and maintains vertical farming technology that enables indoor growing anywhere, eliminates the need for pesticides or fungicides and reduces water consumption by up to 95%.

Because no arable land is required, these systems can also be used to reduce the carbon footprint of food production by locating farms closer to the point of consumption or production.

City of Loveland Economic Development Director, Kelly Jones, said: “IGS’ technology, mission and people are a perfect fit for the ag-tech ecosystem that continues to flourish across our region and in Loveland.

“Northern Colorado provides tremendous value to a diverse range of industries, and we are proud of this truly collaborative, regional effort to bring this innovative company, as well as high paying jobs, to the area.”

David Farquhar, CEO of IGS, added: “The forward-looking approach to economic development within the city of Loveland and the state of Colorado fits perfectly with Intelligent Growth Solutions’ purpose of working with growers to help deliver sustainable food security.

“The location is within easy reach of a huge market as well as supply chain partners and is a great place for our people – and their families – to live, with 300 days of sunshine and just 30 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park.

“The location of our North American headquarters is a pivotal decision in our evolution as market leader. We are confident that our new Loveland base will allow our rapidly growing business to continue to expand and thrive on a global platform, as we deliver vertical farming infrastructure to enable real farmers to grow an expanding range of crops reliably, profitably and sustainably because we give them total control of the weather for the first time: designed in Scotland manufactured in Colorado.”

The company said it has chosen Loveland for the strong pool of talented skilled labour. Overall, IGS expects to create 114 net new jobs at the US site. Positions will include engineers, supply chain managers, human resource, and legal managers, as well as roles in marketing and sales.

Recommended

• ‘High potential’ firms contending for investment from Scottish EDGE
• Data skills gap: Inspiration is key to gaining Scottish tech workers
• ScotRail pledges support to new digital education charter for young Scots

Patrick Meyers, OEDIT Executive Director, said: “Innovative companies like IGS are building on Colorado’s strong agricultural heritage to create a future-thinking ag tech industry that will feed communities and support a thriving economy across our state. We are pleased to see Loveland become IGS’s North American headquarters and look forward to celebrating future accomplishments.

“We are delighted to welcome Intelligent Growth Solutions to Loveland as they establish their base of operations. Their innovative technology, environmentally focused mission and talented people are a perfect fit for the community,” said Jacki Marsh, Mayor of Loveland.

The company currently has 220 employees, one of whom is already based in Colorado. In addition to Colorado, the company considered Washington and Massachusetts.

The company already has a footprint in the US, after the firm signed a deal in June to supply its vertical farming technology to a US-based company.

IGS struck a new strategic partnership agreement with Long Island-based CubicAcres, which saw the company deliver sustainably grown crops for consumption on the East Coast of America.

Get the latest news from DIGIT direct to your inbox

Our newsletter covers the latest technology and IT news from Scotland and beyond, as well as in-depth features and exclusive interviews with leading figures and rising stars.

To subscribe, click here.