The new site is expected to showcase the latest seeds and digital technologies along with Syngenta’s product development through collaboration with growers
Artist’s rendering of Syngenta new seeds research centre in Illinois. (Credit: Syngenta/Business Wire.)
Swiss agrochemical company Syngenta has announced its plans to build a new R&D Innovation and Customer Experience Center in Northern Illinois, US.
Considered to be the heart of the US Corn Belt, the new 90-acre site will be located in Malta, DeKalb County, which is about one hour west of Syngenta’s global and North America Seeds offices in Downers Grove.
The company stated that the site was selected for its location, soil type and accessibility. It will also provide facilities to conduct large-scale events and engagement with growers on corn and soybean technology and innovation.
Syngenta also claimed that the new site will also showcase how it can transform product development by collaborating with growers on the farm.
Syngenta seeds development global head Trevor Hohls said: “This new site will enable us to accelerate our innovation in Seeds R&D while strengthening our focus on delivering new capabilities through investments in breeding and digital technologies.
“This is a strong statement of our commitment to innovation and providing our scientists with the resources to bring the best products and technologies to solve the key problems that growers face.”
Syngenta’s new site in Illinois is expected to open by the end of 2022
Syngenta expects to begin construction on the site early next year, with a scheduled opening to take place by the end of 2022.
Syngenta North America Seeds regional director Justin Wolfe said: “I’m really excited about this strategic investment and how it will bring us even closer to the centre of the US seeds market, as well as providing access to world-leading agriculture and digital talent in the Midwest.
“We’re committed to US farmers, and this site will allow to us to collaborate even more with our customers.”
The latest investment follows Syngenta’s commitment to research and development of seeds in the US. In addition to its global innovation centre in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, the company had opened a new $30m Trait Conversion Accelerator in Nampa, Idaho in August 2019.
Earlier this month, the company announced that it had combined four business units to form a new agricultural science firm. The company merged its Switzerland-based Syngenta AG, Israel-based Adama, and Chinese agricultural businesses.
The new company will run under the leadership of Jon Parr, with operations from Basel of Switzerland. It will have 15 major production sites, which hold the capacity to deliver the required solutions to the customers.