Mosaic hopes new HQ attracts workers

The Mosaic Co. had plenty of reasons to build its $20-million state headquarters in southeastern Hillsborough County, from a need to consolidate administrative offices to a clearer demonstration of green business practices.

However, the phosphate production giant had one key priority in the current economy — keeping current and future personnel happy.

Mosaic, long a target of criticism by environmentalists and some local government leaders, plans to bring 400 employees within Central Florida to the new 113,000-square-foot building dedicated last week. Besides emphasizing environmental sustainability and “gold” certification under the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, Mosaic executives say the new headquarters is essential to convincing the best and brightest scientists from national colleges to move to the Tampa Bay area.