Monsanto is to invest more money in expanding its research and development facilities Photo: Monsanto

Monsanto is to invest more than $230 million in upgrading and expanding the company’s research and development facilities in Iowa, where Monsanto operates 13 facilities. Upgrades have already occurred at the breeding research facility in Ankeny, and are soon to be made at the DeKalb maize seed production facilities in Boone and Grinnell, whilst a new maize seed production plant will be constructed, also in Iowa.

An addition of 22,000 sq ft (1,980 m2) has been made to the Alkeny facility, built in 1998, to contain robotic analysis systems for the advanced breeding and seed analysis of maize, soybeans, cotton and vegetable crops.  At the Boone facility, operational since 1975, two high-capacity dryers, one green maize receiving line and more than 150,000 sq ft (13,500 m2) of warehouse space will be added, with completion expected in late 2009.  A foundation seed facility will be added at the Grinnel plant, as well as two high-capacity dryers, one green maize receiving line and additional bulk storage space.  Additional warehouse space and an upgrade to the conditioning tower are planned for 2008. 

Further expansion is planned at a new plant that will be located in north-east Iowa.  The expected capacity of the new facility, which will require nearly 150 acres (61 ha) to contain three high-capacity dryers and one green maize receiving line, is 1,200 bags of maize seed per hour. 

80 new full-time positions and 1,200 new part time jobs will be created by the expansion, which is scheduled for completion by 2010.  “Making these investments in Iowa, the heart of the Corn Belt, makes long-term strategic sense for Monsanto and our customers”, says Hugh Grant, chairman, president and CEO of Monsanto.
By Simon Varcoe

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