DES MOINES, Iowa — DuPont’s Pioneer Hi-Bred is expanding its presence in central Iowa with additional lab facilities focused on advanced plant genetics.
The planned investment will include new research facilities and space for 400 new research positions based in Johnston, Iowa.
“Our planned expansion will take Pioneer’s R&D capabilities to the next level, which is critical to meet the growing demand for agricultural products,” said Paul E. Schickler, Pioneer president.
The proposed $40 million facility will include state-of-the-art laboratories in multiple connected buildings covering approximately 200,000 square feet.
Construction is anticipated to begin in September with occupancy early in 2012.
Increasing food production is a priority initiative for DuPont, and it says it invests about half of its $1.4 billion annual research and development budget to furthering this goal.
With headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics in nearly 70 countries.
