DuPont Pioneer expands corn production capacity in Hermiston, Oregon

DuPont Pioneer announced plans to increase production capacity at its Hermiston, Ore., production location. The expansion, expected to break ground in 2013 and be completed in 2014, will double the capacity of the current parent corn and pre-commercial hybrid seed corn facility.

"We're excited to be growing here," said Les Heeringa, location manager. "This location has the growing conditions necessary for certain products in addition to a very supportive community, which has been vital." Upon completion, this expansion will result in the creation of an estimated 18 new jobs and help Pioneer to ultimately deliver corn seed products to customers around the globe. "The DuPont Pioneer expansion in Hermiston is good news for our state, and good news for eastern Oregon's agriculture economy," said Governor John Kitzhaber. "The new jobs created by this expansion pay far above Umatilla County's current median income and are exactly the kinds of jobs I'm working to bring to every part of Oregon."

"Pioneer's initial selection and subsequent expansions in Hermiston are a testament to our region's excellent growing climate which accommodates more than 60 varieties of agricultural commodities," said Mayor Dave Drotzmann. "This commitment to expand operations in Hermiston also highlight's our excellent climate for growing businesses which provide these types of good family-wage jobs through collaboration with our state and local partners."

Funding for the project includes a performance agreement from the Governor's Strategic Reserve Fund; strategic infrastructure investments from the City of Hermiston; Port of Umatilla; Umatilla County; and an Enterprise Zone property tax abatement from the City and County.

Pioneer first established a presence in the area with its parent seed production facility in 2009 and is one of more than four dozen production locations in North America.