Novozymes Expands R&D Site in California

Besides a broad focus on exploring new innovative enzymes, the specific focus at the Davis site is currently on further development of the enzymes necessary for commercial production of cellulosic ethanol.

13/05/09 Novozymes is boosting its research efforts, especially in the cellulosic ethanol field, and is now inaugurating two new buildings at its campus in Davis, CA. The expansion will add 25,000 square feet of laboratory and office space, giving a total campus area of approximately 60,000 square feet.

The site in Davis is part of Novozymes’ global research efforts. Besides a broad focus on exploring new innovative enzymes, the specific focus at the Davis site is currently on further development of the enzymes necessary for commercial production of cellulosic ethanol. The development is firmly on track and Novozymes will launch the enzymes in 2010. The new buildings are essential because Novozymes in Davis has grown tremendously in recent years, nearly doubling in size since 2005.

“Novozymes is investing heavily in the development of cellulosic ethanol. We have grown a lot in the past years and therefore need more space, both in terms of lab space and office space,” says Ejner Bech Jensen, President of Novozymes, Inc. in Davis. “With the addition of these new buildings we now have room to grow even further if that is required.”

The new buildings add approximately 25,000 square feet of laboratory and office space, expanding the four-building campus to approximately 60,000 square feet. The additional buildings were constructed in accordance with the City of Davis Green Building Ordinance and imply savings in the long term as Novozymes is investing in technology that saves energy and benefits the environment.