DuPont opened a $40 million plant genetics research facility in Johnston, Iowa on Monday. Approximately 400 new jobs will be created through the increased research and development capabilities housed in the 200,000 square foot building.
“Beaver Creek will take DuPont’s research and development efforts in seed and plant genetics to the next level and ensure we are consistently providing new solutions and products to farmers and communities around the world,” said Paul E. Schickler, president of Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business. “Pioneer is dedicated to providing the right product for the right acre, and this new facility in Johnston will advance that mission.”
According to DuPont, experts in plant physiology, molecular biology and bioinformatics at the research facility will focus on plant breeding and the development of new transgenic products. Together, these groups discover, develop and test the newest products and traits in Pioneer’s research and development pipeline.
In Iowa, Pioneer has increased its workforce by 1,400 positions during the last five years. DuPont also will expand Pioneer’s office and laboratory facilities in the state by 425,000 square feet with the addition of Beaver Creek and the doubling of its greenhouse and research offices in Johnston.
DuPont will invest $10 billion globally in research and development dedicated to the food, agriculture and nutrition sectors by the end of 2020..
