DuPont Pioneer builds seed production facility in Ukraine

DuPont Pioneer announced a more than 40 million USD investment in the construction of a seed production facility in Stasi, Dykanka region, Poltava oblast, Ukraine. This is one of the many investments the company is making to support local product development and help Ukrainian farmers increase their productivity.

Construction is underway at the facility that will be operational in time for the 2013 season, supporting the increased customer demand for Pioneer® brand maize, sunflower and oilseed rape hybrids in Ukraine.

"This investment will further expand our efforts to grow our business in one of the most productive maize, sunflower and oilseed rape growing regions of the world," said Jeff Rowe, Regional director, DuPont Pioneer Europe. He added: "We have seen tremendous growth in our sunflower and maize business with record volumes in the recent years, growing market share and strong product performance and yield advantages. The construction of this new seed production facility demonstrates the commitment of DuPont Pioneer to providing Ukrainian farmers with the best products for their specific growing areas and needs."

Upon completion, the production facility, together with the logistics facility built in Stasi last year will employ approximately 60 full time employees to support the warehousing, timely distribution and production of about 500,000 units of Pioneer® brand maize and sunflower hybrids. In addition, approximately 20 temporary and about 200 seasonal employees will be hired when the facility is at full capacity.

"The new facility will allow DuPont Pioneer to ensure a stable supply of locally produced high-quality sunflower and maize seed for farmers in Ukraine and Russia, and meet the growing demand of these important agricultural crops in the country", said Csaba Molnar, Commercial Unit director, DuPont Pioneer Ukraine and Russia.

DuPont Pioneer is the market leader in Ukraine for maize hybrids and holds second position both the sunflower and oilseed rape hybrid markets. In addition to the jobs created by this announcement, DuPont Pioneer currently employs about 60 full time, regular employees in Ukraine and works with an equal number of field sales agronomists promoting Pioneer® brand products throughout Ukraine.

"This investment, as well as all our future investment decisions, depend on the appropriate regulatory, political and agricultural production factors as we strive to being a reliable partner for our customers and for the Ukrainian Government to support its ambitious goal to almost double the grain production in Ukraine," concluded Molnar.