Alberta is home to numerous factories dedicated to the cultivation, seeding, and harvesting of crops for farms and agricultural facilities. Among these is the Gold Medal Seeds Ltd (GMS) factory, a major player in the production of alfalfa and forage seeds. More on edmonton1.one.
The Founding of Gold Medal Seeds Ltd
Gold Medal Seeds Ltd was officially registered in 1971. Its first owners were Peter Petersen, Bob Asher, Garry Freundl, and Lloyd Smigowski. The factory was originally located at the end of 1st Street and 4th Avenue East in Brooks, Alberta.
From its inception, GMS supported all aspects of alfalfa seed production in Southern Alberta, producing alfalfa and other forage seeds for livestock. The factory became one of the largest agricultural complexes in Northern Alberta.
A Devastating Fire
In 1980, Peter Petersen became the sole owner of the factory. Unfortunately, his tenure as sole proprietor was short-lived. On December 1, 1981, during the 10th anniversary of the factory’s founding, a catastrophic fire completely destroyed the building. The factory was reduced to ashes, halting alfalfa seed production.
Despite the loss, Peter and his team worked tirelessly to minimize the impact of the fire. Fortunately, the main office, located at 2nd Avenue and 5th Street, was spared and continued to manage essential operations for seven months.
Rebuilding the Factory
Undeterred by the disaster, Peter relocated operations to another building he owned on a farm near Brooks. By the summer of 1982, GMS had a new office on Aqueduct Drive, 439. This location became one of the first buildings in what is now a thriving industrial zone on the south side of the railway.
A year later, Peter constructed a new state-of-the-art factory at the same location, which became operational in the fall of 1982. This new facility housed both the factory and the main office, equipped with modern machinery and employing over 500 workers.
Over the next 35 years, GMS expanded its storage and transportation capabilities, maintaining its competitiveness in the ever-changing agricultural market. Peter Petersen and his family, with the help of Karen Redelbeck, ensured the factory’s continued success.
Transition to New Ownership
Having spent most of his life managing GMS, Peter Petersen decided to retire. In the summer of 2007, he sold Gold Medal Seeds Ltd to Forage Genetics International (FGI). Peter stayed on as a consultant for about a year, helping the new owners transition smoothly. However, health issues forced him to take a leave during the 2007 alfalfa harvest.
After a long recovery, Peter officially retired in 2008. Karen Redelbeck also remained with the new management, playing a crucial role in the transition process.
GMS Today
Gold Medal Seeds Ltd is now owned by Forage Genetics International. Long-time operators Victor Matthews (20 years with GMS) and Thomas Ivy (12 years with GMS) continued their work under FGI. General Manager Eric Lutterotti joined the team on March 3, 2008, bringing 15 years of agricultural experience, while Office Administrator Shannon Venner came on board on April 4, 2015.
In the 21st century, the factory continues to thrive, contributing significantly to the agricultural development of Alberta and beyond.