Dow AgroSciences Unveils Biotechnology Research Center
Dow AgroSciences officially cut the ribbon on their new biotechnology research center. The 19 acre facility houses over 200 researchers working with some of the most sophisticated and up-to-date technology in the world, all with the goal of increasing agriculture production. Antonio Galindez, president and CEO of Dow AgroSciences, says the products developed in this facility will help American farmers feed the world, “Biotechnology is going to allow us to produce more food with less land, less water, and in a more sustainable way.” He added that is the biggest challenge the world has, “If we are not able to increase productivity, then we will need more land and more water to feed our growing population.” This new facility is part of a global growth plan for Dow AgroSciences’ research efforts for the development and commercialization of new crop protection and seed, traits and oils products for growers around the world.
Galindez told HAT that Indiana is a great place to do business and provides an environment that helps foster innovation, “We are one of the few companies in the world that can invent products, produce them, and market them; and we can do all that right here in Indiana.” In 2010, Dow AgroSciences announced a multi-year expansion that included the construction of this new 175,000 square foot research facility, the construction of a new 14,000 square foot greenhouse, and the addition of more than 550 scientific and commercial jobs by 2015. The company has already hired more than 400 new employees in Indiana since 2010.
Governor Pence, who participated in the ribbon cutting on Wednesday, told HAT this kind of facility is what his vision for an agricultural innovation corridor is all about, “In Indiana, we do two things really well; we make things and we grow things. At places like Dow AgriSciences those things come together.” This is a significant investment by Dow AgroSciences which demonstrates its commitment to life sciences in Indiana. As the Crossroads of America, Indiana takes pride in being a top-producing agricultural state. “This expansion at Dow AgroSciences provides another boost to Indiana’s economic and agricultural sectors,” Pence stated. “As the crossroads of America, Indiana takes pride in being a top-producing agricultural state. This expansion at Dow AgroSciences provides another boost to Indiana’s economic and agricultural sectors.”
The building itself is as innovative as some of the research that takes place inside. Up to 30 percent of the new facility was made with recycled materials. Forty percent of the materials were manufactured within 500 miles of the site, reducing costs for production, shipping and fuel. The facility has reclaimed maple wood from a barn in Montgomery County, IN, used as an accent throughout the building. The multiple window views allow the building to utilize natural daylight. A reflective white roof (made by The Dow Chemical Company) and an extensive heat recovery system in the basement help control temperatures. The new facility is the newest addition to the company’s 192-acre Indianapolis campus.