On September 16, Genencor, a division of Danisco, officially opened the doors on its new Grain Processing Applied Innovation Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Governor Chet Culver joined Danisco CEO Tom Knutzen, Genencor division senior managers and Cedar Rapids officials to cut the ribbon on a new state-of-the-art 20,000-square-foot world-class facility. The event also marked the recent expansion of Genencor's adjacent 140,000-square-foot enzyme manufacturing plant.
"I want to commend Genencor for their efforts to put Iowans to work, through this additional $52 million expansion in Cedar Rapids," said Governor Culver. "This is proof positive that good things are happening in Iowa in terms of job creation and economic growth. Genencor chose our state for reasons we are all familiar with: our high quality of life, and our excellent work ethic. I'm happy to see this company grow, here in Iowa."
"This facility represents our tremendous commitment to fuel ethanol producers and carbohydrates processors," says Danisco CEO, Tom Knutzen. "We announced this investment more than a year ago, and today we're joining our customers, employees and supporters to celebrate its completion."
Nearly 200 people attended the event, including many of the region's major grain processors and state and city dignitaries.
"Genencor has been an important member of the Cedar Rapids Community. The new Applied Innovation Center and enzyme plant represent jobs in our community, and we see a lot of potential for that to grow," says Mark Seckman, president of Priority One, the Economic Development Division of the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce.
About Genencor
Genencor, a division of Danisco A/S, is a world leader in industrial biotechnology and a pioneer in enzyme innovation. As part of a large global organization, Genencor has a manufacturing and distribution network that spans more than 40 countries. Genencor's innovations create value throughout the supply chain, from raw material to finished product.