Construction Begins for New Kemin Research Facility in Des Moines
DES MOINES, Iowa – Kemin Industries begins construction on its new research and development 
facility in Des Moines this week. The state-of-the-art facility will provide 1,215 linear feet of laboratory bench space for approximately 60 scientists.
facility in Des Moines this week. The state-of-the-art facility will provide 1,215 linear feet of laboratory bench space for approximately 60 scientists.The new facility includes two general labs, six shared laboratories and three pilot laboratories. The pilot laboratories focus on developing products that can be scaled up in preparation for full-market launch.
"If you want to know what inspires scientists and researchers to do their best work, all you have to do is ask them–and that’s exactly what we did," said Chris Nelson, president and CEO of Kemin. "They helped create the design for the new R&D facility, which is an open-concept approach and includes shared laboratories. It is the best possible environment for encouraging collaboration and new-product breakthroughs."
Kemin scientists researching and developing products for the feed and food industries as well as the health, nutrition and beauty markets will work in the new building. The existing facility will continue to operate at full capacity, with scientists focused on discovery research and pet food.
"This is more than a building. It’s tangible evidence of Kemin’s commitment to providing the best possible environment for our scientists to do what they do best," said Laura Wonderling, research and development director for the animal nutrition and health – vet division. "The new facility will allow us to work with cell cultures and pathogens in new ways to aid in the development of unique animal health products. We look forward to bringing new solutions to the market that will assist veterinarians in maintaining and improving the health of animals."
The new research facility is part of a global expansion plan Kemin announced in October 2010. Among other things, Kemin will double the size of its headquarters in Iowa. The research facility, which is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2013, will eventually connect to a new global headquarters building.
For more information, visit www.kemin.com.
