DuPont Opens Johnston, Iowa, Innovation Center, Plans Research Facility And Ethanol Plant
Area Development Online News Desk (07/01/2013)
DuPont opened its Johnston Innovation Center, northwest of Des Moines, Iowa, the company’s second innovation center in the United States and 12th around the world, focusing on the company’s unique integrated science capabilities across the food, agriculture and energy markets.
The 3,500 square foot space and adjoining collaboration room showcases the latest company technology, applications and products created to meet the world’s biggest challenges, including food security, energy and protection.
“DuPont has a history of innovation and scientific discovery. We are creating solutions to address the world’s big challenges of feeding and protecting a growing global population and reducing reliance on fossil fuels,” said Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer Ellen Kullman. “The key is to quickly connect our integrated science to the market.”
“The Innovation Centers enable DuPont to harness its global science capabilities to create local solutions that are tailored to meet the most pressing market needs. In just two years, we have generated more than 225 active projects from this model. The DuPont Johnston Innovation Center provides a unique environment for collaboration among more than 10,000 DuPont scientists and engineers with customers, government officials, academics and business partners around the world,” Kullman said.
This fall DuPont Pioneer will break ground on a new research facility, Beaver Creek II, in Johnston, Iowa, a project that will add 100 new jobs to the Des Moines metro area.
Additionally, DuPont is investing over $200 million in its Nevada, Iowa commercial cellulosic ethanol production facility. The construction of the facility will employ over 1,000 construction workers. It will employ over 60 full time jobs and involve hundreds of farmers who will supply the stover to the facility upon completion.
“Iowa is critical to meeting many of the food and energy demands globally, and we are proud to build on our business here in the state,” Kullman said.
DuPont opened other Innovation Centers in Turkey, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, India, Brazil, Mexico, Michigan, Russia and Switzerland.
