Bayer, Helena Announce $20 Million in Facility Investments at Agricenter International
April 1, 2013 Bayer CropScience and Helena Chemical Company are investing nearly $20 million in new research and state-of-the-art greenhouse facilities at Agricenter International in Memphis.
Agricenter International is the world’s largest urban farm and research facility. Some 30 businesses have offices there for on-going research on cotton, soybeans and other crops grown on the 1,000-acre property, which is owned by Shelby County, Tennessee. The self-sustaining, non-profit organization helps provide economic development through agricultural research, educational programs, environmental conservation, natural area preservation and recreational opportunities.
“The expansions by Bayer CropScience and Helena Chemical Company will add much to our overall mission at Agricenter International,” said John Charles Wilson, Agricenter President. “The research conducted by these companies could set new standards for the agriculture industry.”
Company representatives joined Memphis and Shelby County dignitaries and Agricenter officials for ground-breaking ceremonies on April 1.
Bayer CropScience plans to invest $17 million to build a new greenhouse, which will include a 40,000-square-foot growing area, plus a spacious headhouse and open office space. The company has operated an office and greenhouse at Agricenter since 1992.
“Bayer CropScience is the leading cotton seed company globally, and we are committed to continued research and development in this core crop,” said Mike Gilbert, head of global breeding and trait development for Bayer. “Once completed, the Memphis greenhouse will allow us to increase the number of traits for cotton varieties for both U.S. and global markets and improve our ability to provide new technologies that will propel farming’s future and give growers more choices.
“We are excited to work with Agricenter International on this project and appreciate their continued support.”
Helena Chemical Company has operated facilities at Agricenter for almost two decades. The company’s Helena Products Group will spend $2.2 million on a new research/formulation laboratory and other facility improvements.
“As Helena’s business continues to grow across the country, we are preparing for the future by investing in new facilities on the farm grounds at Agricenter International,” stated Mike McCarty, president and CEO of Helena Chemical Company. “This expansion will give Helena Products Group additional resources needed to develop new products to help our customers improve crop yields and quality.”
Helena plans to add 20-25 more people to the expanded facility by 2022.
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