Jorge Walter Erro founds the company in Dolores to provide the following services: grain drying, seed processing and sale of cereals and oilseeds. In 1960, we introduce the grain transportation service. In 1963, the country’s first mechanical dryer is installed. In 1970, we begin to distribute beer barley as part of production plans developed with Fábricas Nacionales de Cerveza S.A. Storage plant No. 1 is opened next to the main facilities.
The company’s founder dies in 1971. In 1975, Jorge and Ramon Erro join the company. Agrochemicals and fertilizers are included as part of the services provided, as well as own brand seeds.
In 1978, the sale of agricultural machinery is introduced and storage cells are mechanized. In 1980, grains are exported for the first time, directly to a client overseas. The year 1982 marks the beginning of our roles as leaders in the use of new technologies for hybrid sunflower and corn seeds in their area of influence. The storage capacity of plant No. 1 is expanded. In 1984, the first branch opens in the city of Mercedes. In 1985, the import of agricultural machinery begins.
In 1987, we introduce a new line of hybrid sunflower, sorghum and corn seeds from the USA, with exclusive rights for the whole country. Storage plant No. 1 is expanded once again, incorporating vertical silos and dryers with mechanized grain cells. In 1990, the storage plant is expanded again, and new service contracts are entered into with Maltería Uruguay S.A., and in turn with Fábricas Nacionales de Cerveza S.A. for the provision of beer barley. In 1994, we become the representatives of CASE IH, and Corporación de Maquinaria is founded. A new business line is created: Animal Nutrition. We signed a technology transfer agreement with Ralston Purina Co. In 1997, the company celebrates its first 50 years.
In 1998, Terminales Graneleras Uruguayas S.A. (T.G.U.) is created, a corporation that brings together 11 companies, among them ERRO. It aims to manage the 15-year concession granted by the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries over the port terminals in Fray Bentos and Nueva Palmira. In 2001, soybean crops develop nationwide, and in 2002, ERRO is the only exporter of the year. An exclusivity agreement is signed with Don Mario Semillas (Argentina), which allowed us to access state-of-the-art genetics and better production potential. In 2002, an agreement is signed with ADM from Brazil to produce and export grains to Europe, which made us leaders in the export of soybeans. In 2003, we become the representatives of New Holland.
In 2005, the Specialties (high oleic oil) export program is launched and new markets opened for the sale of feed for small animals. Feedlot practices consolidate and soybean exports increase by 40,000 tons. In 2008, a cell is built to expand grain storage capacity by 40,000 tons. In 2009, a state-of-the-art seed plant is built, with a storage capacity of 7,000 tons and a processing capacity of 10 tons/hour. A new cell is built, which expands storage capacity by 40,000 tons, and a logistics and grain analysis yard. In 2014, the expansion of the plant is completed, allowing for the storage of 20,000 tons and the use of a state-of-the-art professional seed treatment system. In 2013, the construction of the new Dolores corporate building is completed. In Durazno, the construction of a grain collection and conditioning yard begins, which is now operational. In 2017, the company celebrates its 70th anniversary.