Alberta, Canada
March 27, 2008
DuPont (NYSE: DD) today announced its
Pioneer Hi-Bred business
has opened a new state-of-the-art canola production facility in
Lethbridge here, to meet an increased demand for its
high-performing Pioneer® brand canola hybrids. The addition of
the new seed production plant is part of the business's strategy
to be the canola
market leader by 2012.
"The investments we have made in canola research are paying off
in increased sales," said Paul E. Schickler, DuPont vice
president and general manager and Pioneer president. "This new
plant, along with recent enhancements to our distribution
strategy, will ensure our customers are provided what they
expect from Pioneer -- a consistent, reliable supply of
high-quality, high-performing seed."
DuPont recently announced that its Pioneer and crop protection
businesses have teamed up to increase points of sale in Western
Canada. Pioneer will increase its seed production acreage by 58
percent in 2008 to meet increased demand for its canola hybrids.
The new $12 million plant also includes office, warehouse and
bulk storage space and will handle all aspects of Pioneer(R)
brand canola seed growing, cleaning, conditioning, packaging and
distribution. Specifically designed for hybrid canola, the plant
covers 30,000 square feet and currently employs more than 20
people. The plant is accredited by ISO 9001 and the Canadian
Seed Institute.
The plant is part of DuPont's strategic plan to grow its seed
business globally and specifically to increase its presence in
Western Canada, where the majority of North American canola is
grown.
Pioneer offers a robust selection of canola hybrids and traits
and intends to introduce a proprietary glyphosate herbicide
resistant trait under the Optimum(R) brand by the middle of the
next decade.
"Pioneer Hi-Bred will continue to use its worldwide resources
and extensive investment in research to deliver top-performing
canola hybrids,"
Schickler said. "We will also be there with growers in their
communities to provide support, agronomic expertise and
leading-edge genetics all through the growing and harvest
season."
Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, is the world's leading
source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers
and grain and oilseed processors. With headquarters in Des
Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to
advanced plant genetics in nearly 70 countries.
DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded
in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable
solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for
people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont
offers a wide range of innovative products and services for
markets including agriculture and food; building and
construction; communications; and transportation.
The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont™, The miracles of science™,
Pioneer® and Optimum® are registered trademarks or trademarks of
DuPont or its affiliates. |
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