Bayer continues to extend capacity for biologicals

Bayer plans to further expand its position in the market for biological crop protection products and has invested some EUR 16 million in new capacity for research, development and production at its Wismar site.

“As a global, innovation-driven Life Science company, we have not only set ourselves ambitious growth targets,” stressed Dr. Mathias Kremer, Head of Strategy and Portfolio Management at the Crop Science Division, to approximately 100 guests at the inauguration ceremony on October 6. “The capacity expansion at the Wismar site is also an important step in offering farmers around the world new solutions for modern, sustainable agriculture. The use of biologicals is becoming increasingly important in this context.”

“The integrated site at Wismar will play a major part in our growth plans,” added Daniel Karsch, Managing Director of Bayer CropScience Biologics GmbH. “We have created ideal conditions in Wismar to ensure that our scientists and experts can work together successfully in the fermentation and production of natural fungi.”

Taking part in the event were Ralf Svoboda, Head of the Technology Section in the Ministry of Economics, Construction and Tourism of the State of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania; Thomas Beyer, Mayor of the Hanseatic City of Wismar; representatives of the participating construction and service companies; members of the communities near the site; and Bayer’s employees at the Wismar site. Wismar is part of the company’s global R&D network and an important production site for biologicals. Bayer employs a total of some 45 people at the site.

Natural fungi activities concentrated in Wismar

Bayer has concentrated its research and development activities on natural fungi in Wismar. At the disposal of the company’s researchers is an approximately 1,600 m², two-story building complex comprising laboratories, technical centers and offices.

The newly built production facility meets all product quality and safety standards. With an area of more than 4,000 m², the facility offers enough space for optimal production conditions. As a result, Bayer is well equipped for the future and can react flexibly to new market conditions.

BioAct and Contans: biologicals to control nematodes and fungal diseases

The first biological product — Contans WG against sclerotinia rot — was approved in Germany in 1997. It was the first time that marketing authorization had been granted for a biological fungicide in Germany. Bayer develops, produces and markets biological products for integrated crop protection. The products are primarily substances based on living microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, or on natural substances.

Biologicals have an outstanding environmental profile and are one of the four cornerstones of integrated crop solutions at Bayer, along with improved seeds, chemical crop protection products and supporting services. Various formulations of the fungicide Contans WG and the nematicide BioAct are produced in Wismar. BioAct is used mainly in fruit and vegetable growing in a broad range of countries.