Cooter Muck changes location in response to increased demand

Cooter Muck Probiotics, the makers of the Compostgenie green-bin deodorizer, recently moved from the Vankleek Hill industrial park to a new location on Highway 34.

The move to the larger warehouse, located just north of the town limits, took place on September 1. According to CEO Adam Webster, who co-founded the company with Scott Russell, the new facility will allow them to take better control of an increased demand for its product.

This past summer, Compostgenie went from local distribution in eastern Ontario and Ottawa to national status, after being selected by Canadian Tire and Home Depot.

"The new facility allows us to swallow the Maritimes, the Greater Toronto Area and the United States expansion, in terms of product capacity and shipping," said Webster.

In early June, Compostgenie was selected by Home Depot as part of its first Innovation for Sustainability program. By mid-August, the product had earned a top position in sales volume and was given prominent display space in the chain's Toronto locations.

Following that, Canadian Tire made moves to distribute the product to municipalities that participate in municipal composting programs. As a result, Webster noted, sales continue to exceed expectations.

"This summer changed us," he said. "Home Depot is the number-four retailer in the U.S. and since San Francisco and a growing list of major cities have begun municipal composting programs, we are confident that our expansion is on solid ground.

"You need to understand that people want to do the right thing, but with smell, maggots, raccoons and rats, their environmental dedication is challenged. Our product overcomes that barrier."

Asked about the benefits of being located in Vankleek Hill, the CEO replied, "Being in Vankleek Hill is great because it is where we live, though there is definitely a pull to consider a second facility in Mississauga."

And while municipalities that participate in green-bin programs, from San Francisco to Ottawa, are showing interest in the product, Webster said a similar push at the local level has not resulted in much headway.