Ceremonial Event Launches Construction of Facility in Independence, Iowa
ST. LOUIS, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Monsanto Company (NYSE:
MON) hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking event today marking the start of
the construction phase for a new DEKALB(R) corn seed production facility in
Independence, Iowa. Heartland Acres Agribition Center hosted the event
attended by Iowa Lt. Governor Patty Judge, Independence Mayor Frank Brimmer
and community representatives.
"Today is a great day for Independence and a great day for our state,"
said Lt. Governor Patty Judge. "I want to thank Monsanto for not only
making this commitment to our state but for your continued partnership as
together we build a stronger and better future for Iowa."
Mark Leidy, Monsanto executive vice president, Manufacturing, led the
groundbreaking on the $90 million state-of-the-art facility and spoke to
the importance of expansion in Iowa. "We're in the heart of the nation's
most bountiful corn-producing region. This area is within excellent
proximity to our growers, who remain, like we do, focused 100 percent on
the success of agriculture."
Greg Halverson, director of the Buchanan County Economic Development
Commission, appreciates the benefits the facility will bring to the
Independence area. "We are excited about the opportunity to partner with
such a great company and especially with corn growers. It's important to
always work toward expanding the local tax base."
Once complete, the plant plans to utilize the services of more than
1,000 seasonal workers. In "phase one" of the facility's build out,
scheduled for the fall of 2010, the new corn seed production plant will
have two high-capacity dryers and green corn receiving lines, bulk storage,
175,000 square feet of warehouse space and a conditioning tower capable of
packaging 1,200 bags of corn seed per hour.
The new facility is a significant part of a more than $230 million
planned investment by Monsanto in Iowa. Monsanto operates two other corn
seed production facilities in Iowa, in the cities of Boone and Grinnell. In
addition to building the new corn seed site, the company is expanding its
existing corn seed production facilities in the state. Monsanto also
expanded its facility in Ankeny, the company's global hub for breeding
research.
About Monsanto Company
Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-based
solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food
quality. For more information on Monsanto, see http://www.monsanto.com.
DEKALB and the Winged Ear design and DEKALB Strong Roots. Strong
Yields. are trademarks of Dekalb Genetics Corporation. (C) 2008 Monsanto
Company.
SOURCE Monsanto Company
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Related links:
http://www.monsanto.com
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/114341.html/
CONTACT:
Mimi Ricketts of Monsanto Company,
+1-314-694-5703
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