February 6, 2008

Pioneer expands Nebraska facility 

Dupont recently announced plans to expand its Pioneer Hi-Bred subsidiary's production facility in York, Nebraska.

The US$13 million investment includes adding a fifth dryer and significantly increases bulk storage for an additional 500,000 bushels of corn. This will boost seed production capacity at the facility by 20 percent.

Pioneer president Paul Schickler said that the company's order position has increased over last year and they are meeting that demand because of the infrastructure in place to do so.

The industry is seeing an increased adoption of stacked varieties and Pioneer's Herculex hybrids.

Pioneer spokesperson Pat Arthur stated the facility will open up opportunities for that increased demand in the surrounding area.

York will be one of two North American locations with five dryers. This will enhance the turnaround time in the drying process and also increase overall corn seed production for the company.

The storage expansion would double the current bulk storage capacity at York.

Both projects will be completed in time for the 2008 harvest. Additional expansion projects are under consideration for Pioneer locations throughout North America, the company said.