Pioneer Hi-Bred expands research capacity in Michigan

Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, announced plans for a new research center in Ithaca, Mich. The new center is one of the many steps Pioneer is taking to develop and commercialize new products to meet the needs of area farmers and to help meet the strong global demand for grain.

"Robust local product development efforts are a key part of our commitment to help farmers get the right product on the right acre to maximize productivity,” said Randy Minton, Pioneer business director for the Northeast Business Unit, which includes Michigan. “This new research center will further expand our efforts to provide products that fit the specific needs of farmers in this region.”

Pioneer first established a research presence in the area with a research center in Ithaca in 1986, but has outgrown the current site. Pioneer will maintain operations at both research centers when the new center opens in the middle of next year.

The new center will expand corn product development and testing efforts for farmers in northern environments. There are plans to add new full-time positions at the new center in the coming years. This is in addition to the eight full-time and two part-time employees at the current research center in Ithaca.

Pioneer worked closely with the local and state economic development organizations in planning for the new research center. “The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is pleased to partner with the Greater Gratiot Development Corporation to support this project and to help an innovative company expand its presence in Ithaca and the state of Michigan,” said Greg Main, Michigan Economic Development Corporation president and CEO.

Pioneer has had a significant presence in the state of Michigan for decades. In addition to the corn research centers in Ithaca, Pioneer has a large seed corn production facility in Constantine, Mich. Pioneer operates nearly 100 research centers worldwide.