Syngenta Breaks Ground for New Digs

It’s a big deal for North Carolina and the global agricultural biotechnology world, so the groundbreaking for Syngenta Biotechnology’s $70 million expansion today required a big shovel – in this case, an excavator made by North Carolina-based Volvo Construction Equipment.

More than 300 people gathered at tables under a shady tent at Syngenta’s new Davis Drive expansion site to celebrate the symbol of success for Syngenta and for North Carolina’s fast-growing ag biotech community.

They laughed and applauded as Syngenta research scientist and greenhouse manager Dawn McNamara donned a hardhat, fired up the big digger, reached the bucket into the turf and pulled up a load of soil. After a couple of dinosaur-like scoops, she whirled the rig around like a giant steel square dancer.

Event has global significance

“This is one of those occasions that make my job so worthwhile,” beamed Congressman David Price, whose district encompasses the Triangle. “This company has become a major part of the fabric of Triangle life,” he said. “But the significance of this event is worldwide, because it will help raise the living standard for the 35 percent of the world population that makes it living from agriculture.”

Syngenta says its new 147,000-square-foot research and development complex will provide researchers the environment to pursue new traits that will help farmers grow more from less. It will include all-glass, climate-controlled greenhouses and precision growth chambers, which, borrowing from NASA technology, will offer complete control of multiple growth variables, including water, nutrients, light and atmospheric gases.

Syngenta’s roots in the Triangle were planted in 1984, the same year state civic, academic and business leaders established the North Carolina Biotechnology Center to propel bioscience as an engine for job creation across the state. Now Syngenta has more than 400 employees in the state, and continues to grow.

Celebration includes $30K United Way kickoff pledge

Syngenta President Michiel van Lookeren, Congressman David Price and Michael Page, chairman of the Durham County Board of Commissioners

Syngenta Biotechnology’s president Michiel van Lookeren Campagne filtered through the breakfast crowd welcoming guests and serving as master of ceremonies. He addressed the crowd and turned the podium over to one of his employees, research associate Katie Seguin, who heads the employees’ United Way campaign this year. She provided a $30,000 corporate pledge to Craig Chancellor, president and CEO of the United Way of the Greater Triangle. It was especially welcomed by the agency because Syngenta has a history of matching its employees’ contributions with a separate corporate gift.

Campagne recognized numerous guests, including Biotechnology Center president and CEO Norris Tolson and Mike Wilkins, senior vice president of statewide operations and economic development. Speakers also included Michael Page, chairman of the Durham County Board of Commissioners, and Corey Huck, Syngenta’s head of U.S. Commercial Operations.

Campagne concluded the event by telling the crowd he’s looking forward to celebrating the facility’s open-house event next year.