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Seed Systems promotes Mark Hughes to General Manager

March 17,1998
Gilroy, California

Seed Systems, Inc., the North American operations division of Germain's (UK) Ltd., recently announced the promotion of Mark Hughes to General Manager.

In addition to managing operations in Gilroy, Hughes will be responsible for the company's North American facilities in North Dakota, Colorado and Oregon, and will continue to report directly to Germain's (UK) in Kings Lynn, UK. He will also continue his duties as Sales and Marketing Manager for Seed Systems' sugarbeet and horticultural products, a position he has held since 1990. Hughes originally joined the Gilroy, CA-based coating and pelleting business of Germain's (UK) as a sales agronomist in 1985.

"With Germain's acquisition last December of the Dutch-based International Seed Technology (IST), Seed Systems is moving into an exciting and challenging next phase in its development," says CEO Paul Ayres. "I am confident that, with Mark's strong background in both technology and customer service at Seed Systems, he will bring valuable skills and experience to his new position."

As General Manager, Hughes' primary responsibilities will be to strengthen Seed Systems' market share, improve its quality assurance and quality confirmation programs, and ensure that the newly acquired IST technologies are smoothly integrated with Seed Systems' existing techniques and processes.

"The focus now is to keep the business moving efficiently through this busy pelleting season," says Hughes. "In the long term, among my other responsibilities, I hope to instill in every individual working for Seed Systems that the customer's needs are our first priority. That's been my philosophy for the 13 years I've been with this company, and I've made it clear that it's the perspective I bring to my new position as General Manager."

Hughes received his B.S. in plant and soil science in 1978 from Montana State University, and his M.S. in agronomy with emphasis in seed technology in 1982. Born and raised in Monterey County, California, Hughes resides with his wife and sons in nearby Salinas.

Seed Systems is known in the industry for its high quality seed pelleting and enhancement product and its fine customer service. With the acquisition, the Germain's/IST/Seed Systems' Group is now the world's largest toll pelleting and seed enhancement company, with end-users ranging from extensive agricultural and horticultural operations to home gardeners.

For more information, contact:
Jennifer Retterer
Shea-Campbell, Inc.
408 - 646 012

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