A new partnership between Malaysia-based Wastech Group and US-headquartered Pursell Agri-Tech marks a significant step for agriculture in Southeast Asia. Together, these two companies are launching a facility in Malaysia that will manufacture controlled release fertilizers (CRFs), a type of fertilizer designed to provide plants with nutrients over an extended period of time.
This facility is more than just a factory—it’s the beginning of an effort to rethink how fertilizers are made, used, and integrated into everyday farming. With Wastech’s longstanding experience in agricultural and landscaping solutions in Southeast Asia, and Pursell’s expertise in fertilizer coating technology, the joint venture is structured around a clear purpose: developing sustainable fertilizer options that support both the land and the people who work it.
Controlled Release Fertilizers: What They Offer Farmers
At the heart of this collaboration is the shared interest in CRFs, fertilizers engineered to gradually release nutrients over time. Unlike traditional fertilizers that often require repeated applications and can lead to nutrient runoff, CRFs help farmers by reducing the frequency of application, minimizing waste, and increasing efficiency.
Farmers who adopt CRFs often find that they are better able to manage their resources, as the fertilizers provide plants with a more consistent nutrient supply. This also helps reduce labor costs and the risks associated with over-fertilization or leaching into surrounding ecosystems. For regions in Southeast Asia where agriculture remains a primary livelihood, such improvements can have a wide-reaching impact—not just on yield, but also on long-term soil health and economic resilience.
Sustainability Anchors the Partnership
For both Wastech and Pursell, sustainability is not a buzzword—it’s central to how the new facility will operate. One of the main advantages of CRF technology is its potential to curb environmental degradation. By regulating nutrient release and minimizing runoff into water bodies, these fertilizers help mitigate one of modern agriculture’s major challenges.
“This partnership with Pursell marks a significant step forward in our commitment to sustainable agriculture in Southeast Asia. By integrating Pursell’s cutting-edge coating technology with Wastech’s deep expertise in the region, we are well-positioned to deliver high-performance, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible fertilizer solutions that meet the needs of our plantation and agricultural customers.
Nicholas Hii, Executive Director, Wastech Group
As consumers and businesses demand more sustainable agricultural products, this joint venture with Pursell aligns with our mission to provide innovative solutions that reduce agriculture’s environmental footprint while enhancing crop productivity. Together, we are setting a new standard for sustainable fertilizer solutions that meet the needs of the modern agricultural industry.”
By carefully combining Pursell’s advanced coating techniques with Wastech’s understanding of the local agricultural landscape, the joint venture intends to create products that are not only environmentally friendly but also viable for widespread, long-term adoption.
Job Creation and Regional Economic Growth
The establishment of this facility by Pursell and Wastech in Malaysia will bring tangible benefits beyond agriculture. It is expected to create numerous job opportunities, offering employment to local workers and contributing to regional economic development. In addition to direct employment, there is also the potential for knowledge transfer and workforce upskilling, especially in sustainable farming practices and advanced agricultural technologies.
Nicholas Hii emphasized that this project is not just about producing a product—it’s about supporting the community. “We are committed to hiring local talent and creating jobs in the region, contributing to the overall development of Malaysia’s agriculture industry. “This joint venture will also open doors to export opportunities within the Southeast Asia nations, further strengthening Malaysia’s position in the global agricultural market.” he noted.
This focus on workforce development could play a critical role in revitalizing interest among younger generations in agricultural careers, especially in areas where rural populations face limited employment prospects.
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Positioning Malaysia as a Regional Agricultural Hub
The location of the facility in Malaysia was a deliberate choice. The country’s strategic position and access to agricultural markets make it an ideal base for scaling CRF distribution throughout Southeast Asia. Malaysia already plays a central role in the export of commodities such as palm oil, rubber, and rice—crops that could directly benefit from CRF application.
With access to nearby raw materials and transportation infrastructure, the new plant will be well-positioned to supply neighboring countries including Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. It also extends beyond the region, targeting markets in Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and Japan. These countries are increasingly looking for more sustainable agricultural inputs, particularly as they work to align with new climate and environmental policies.
“Partnering with Wastech to build a plant in Malaysia is ideal. It’s located near key substrate and material suppliers and creates opportunities to address the diverse nutrition needs of customers in the region in a predictable, prescriptive and profitable way.”
Tim Ferguson, Pursell CEO
A Long-Term Vision for Sustainable Farming
While the physical construction of the facility marks a concrete step forward, the broader vision behind the project is deeply rooted in long-term thinking. It’s about preparing farmers for the future by providing access to tools that make farming not only more efficient, but also more in harmony with the environment.
By prioritizing both environmental responsibility and local economic empowerment, Wastech and Pursell are investing in a model of agriculture that doesn’t treat sustainability as an afterthought. Their joint venture seeks to create a balance—between innovation and tradition, between yield and stewardship of the land.
As the facility prepares to begin operations, it brings with it the hope of setting a new standard for how fertilizers are produced and used across Southeast Asia. And for farmers across the region, it could offer a reliable, locally-produced option that meets their growing needs without compromising the health of their soil or their surroundings.
