Novozymes to Build New Bioethanol Production Facility in Nebraska

The new facility will be located on a 30-acre property at the Biorefinery Campus in Blair, Nebraska, approximately 25 miles north of Omaha. Novozymes expects to break ground in late 2008 with operations beginning in late 2010.

24/06/08 Novozymes has selected Blair, Nebraska as the location for its new production facility bringing approximately 100 new jobs to the state initially. The facility will produce enzymes for existing corn-based ethanol and later enzymes for cellulosic ethanol production.

The new facility will be located on a 30-acre property at the Biorefinery Campus in Blair, Nebraska, approximately 25 miles north of Omaha. Novozymes expects to break ground in late 2008 with operations beginning in late 2010. The investment is expected to be USD 80–100 million.

“We are very excited about expanding our enzyme manufacturing operations in the US,” says Peder Holk Nielsen, Executive Vice President and head of Enzyme Business. “As the leader in enzymes for fuel ethanol, we want to continue our strong commitment to our customers. Initially the focus of the new plant will be to supply enzymes for corn-based ethanol and enzymes for cellulosic ethanol start-ups. The plant in Blair will be designed for later expansions to ensure Novozymes can meet demands for enzymes for cellulosic ethanol. We are undertaking an unprecedented effort to make these enzymes available by 2010.”

Novozymes conducted a worldwide search for a new location before settling on the Midwest. “The US is an attractive and competitive market for us to invest in,” explains Peder Holk Nielsen. “The new location will allow us to sustain our close cooperation with bioethanol customers across the Midwest and provide us access to a well-educated workforce and a good infrastructure.”

The State of Nebraska welcomes Novozymes to Blair. “Nebraska is pleased that Novozymes has selected Blair for its world-class biotech facility,” said Governor Dave Heineman. “Our Nebraska Advantage package has made our state globally competitive for high tech companies such as Novozymes to grow their business in Nebraska.”

Roger Christianson, President Gateway Development Corporation, continues: “We are delighted with Novozymes’ decision to locate their new production facility in Blair. We are proud of our ability to ompete successfully for this global leader in bioinnovation. This is another example of the Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership team working together to bring significant investment and jobs to our region."