DuPont Industrial Biosciences expanding

DuPont Industrial Biosciences in Cedar Rapids has begun construction on a $20 million expansion project that will add additional granulation capacity to the plant to support growth in the enzyme business.

When completed, the construction of a new building, warehouse space and storage tanks will allow the plant at 1000 41st Ave. Drive SW to produce additional products in Cedar Rapids for the North America region. The products are being made in other regions and shipped into North America.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority Board approved a $55,000 forgivable loan and about $900,500 in tax credits in June 2013 to support the project. The Cedar Rapids City Council also approved a 10-year property tax exemption for the new building construction.

DuPont Industrial Biosciences is investing $19,945,000 in cash and equity. Machinery and equipment will account for $14.4 million of the total project cost.

The southwest Cedar Rapids plant, formerly known as Genencor International, supplies industrial enzymes to a number of major customers. DuPont Industrial Biosciences delivers more than 500 diverse products to customers around the world.

The Cedar Rapids plant traces its roots to 1982 when a joint venture was established between Genentech and Corning to exploit the industrial applications of protein engineering. The facility is one of 12 manufacturing centers in the United States, Argentina, Belgium, Denmark, China, India, South Africa and Finland.

Comments: (319) 398-8366; george.ford@sourcemedia.net