Kemin continues its expansion

The American bioscience company Kemin has dedicated a new research and development facility at its Kemin Industries’ corporate headquarters in Des Moines. The new Molecular Advancement Center (MAC) includes two general labs, six shared labs, three pilot labs, a sensory lab, a test kitchen and a personal care application research lab. Kemin has invested $16.7 mio in the 46 300 square foot (approx. 4 100 m2) building. In October 2010, Kemin announced a $40 mio. plan to add 6 new manufacturing facilities, 3 new research facilities and a new corporate headquarters building in south-east Des Moines. At that time, the company committed to adding 98 new positions and has already exceeded that number, hiring 137 new, full-time employees. The MAC is already occupied by approximately 60 scientists, researching and developing products for the feed and food industries as well as the health, nutrition and beauty markets. The company’s existing Innovation Center continues to operate at full capacity with scientists focused on discovery research and pet food. Since Kemin announced its plans for its worldwide expansion in October 2010, the company has spent $20 mio on expansion projects, including infrastructure improvements, a 23 000 square foot (approx. 2 000 m2) warehouse, and a 46 300 square foot research facility. In addition, a new manufacturing facility is under construction and is expected to be completed in 2014. Kemin has experienced 12-15 per cent growth in each of the last five years, points out president and CEO Dr Chris Nelson.