Pioneer’s new facility in Johnston while still under construction earlier this year.

DES MOINES – DuPont opened a $40 million plant genetics research facility, named Beaver Creek, in Johnston Monday to further support its commitment to increasing agricultural productivity and food security worldwide.

Approximately 400 new jobs will be created through the increased research and development capabilities housed in the 200,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art building.

“Beaver Creek will take DuPont’s research and development efforts in seed and plant genetics to the next level and ensure we are consistently providing new solutions and products to farmers and communities around the world,” said Paul Schickler, president of Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business. “Pioneer is dedicated to providing the right product for the right acre, and this new facility in Johnston will advance that mission.”

Experts in plant physiology, molecular biology and bioinformatics at the research facility will focus on plant breeding and the development of new transgenic products.

Together, these groups discover, develop and test the newest products and traits in Pioneer’s research and development pipeline.

Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, State Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey and U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined Schickler at Monday’s opening ceremony to celebrate the new facility.

“On behalf of the state of Iowa, I join Pioneer and its employees in celebrating this exciting new research facility and the jobs it brings to the state,” Branstad said. “DuPont is a global company and their growth in Iowa affirms its dedication to creating opportunities right here at home.

“This is an example of the growth that will keep Iowa youth in the state to be a part of a global company that is working with farmers and scientists to feed the world.”

In Iowa, Pioneer has increased its workforce by 1,400 positions during the last five years. DuPont also will expand Pioneer’s office and laboratory facilities in the state by 425,000 square feet with the addition of Beaver Creek and the doubling of its greenhouse and research offices in Johnston.