| Contact: | Ted Melnik, Novozymes Biologicals, Inc. | 389-9361 |
| Phillip F. Sparks, Roanoke Valley Economic Development Partnership | 343-1550 | |
| Doug Chittum, Roanoke County Economic Development | 772-2069 |
Novozymes Chooses Roanoke County for Expansion Project
ROANOKE, VA - Novozymes Biologicals, Inc., the market leader in the development and production of naturally occurring microorganisms for industrial, consumer and agriculture uses, announced today that it has chosen the Roanoke County Center for Research & Technology for the relocation and expansion of its local research and manufacturing operation. The move will save 65 jobs and create 25 new ones. Novozymes plans to invest $12 million within the next five years.
Novozymes Biologicals, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Denmark based Novozymes A/S, the world leader in enzyme production and development for industrial applications.
The Roanoke Valley function previously operated as Sybron Biochemicals, a division of Sybron Chemical, a subsidiary of Bayer Corp. Novozymes purchased the division in July 2001. Locally, the company develops and produces enzyme-making microbes for household, industrial and agricultural applications. This is a three-phase project, with the initial phase involving research and development laboratories and administration offices. The second phase, which will follow within five years, involves the construction of a new manufacturing facility that will greatly expand capacity and replace the current plant in Salem. The third phase is visualized as a site for manufacturing or production for new markets for this environmentally friendly technology.
"Since the completion of the acquisition by Novozymes on July 1st, a tremendous amount of work has been done to develop the growth strategy for the business," said Ted Melnick,
President, Novozymes Biologicals, Inc. "We worked closely with Roanoke County and the Roanoke Valley Economic Development Partnership to convince our Board of Directors that this was the place to build our business for the long haul. A visit to the beautiful site back on November 19th really sealed the deal."
Novozymes is the first company to locate in the Roanoke County Center for Research and Technology, a 457-acre business park designed for technology, biotechnology and high tech manufacturing companies. The company considered sites in other states, including the Raleigh-Durham, NC area, where Novozymes' North American headquarters is located.
"We are truly gratified that Novozymes has chosen Roanoke County for its new home," said Elmer Hodge, Roanoke County Administrator. "This is just the type of company we envisioned when we developed the park. Novozymes' presence will set the standards for future tenants."
"Novozymes' decision to grow and expand in the Roanoke Valley is proof that the area is indeed a fertile ground for biotechnology companies. A company of this stature will raise our profile with others in this important industry," said Phillip F. Sparks, Executive Director of the Roanoke Valley Economic Development Partnership.
Novozymes was aided in their decision by the Roanoke Valley Economic Development Partnership, Roanoke County, Virginia Tech, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Commonwealth of Virginia' s Workforce Services Program. The company will benefit from a state and local incentive package, which includes a $100,000 Governor' s Opportunity Fund grant and approximately $70,000 in job training funds from Work Force Services. Locally, Roanoke County will provide off-site infrastructure improvements and the cost of the site has been discounted to encourage future investment by the company.
The Roanoke Valley Economic Development Partnership markets Botetourt, Craig, Franklin, and Roanoke Counties, Roanoke, Salem, and Vinton to new and expanding industry. Since 1983, the Partnership has assisted expansions and locations representing $784.1 million in new investment and 9,852 direct new jobs in the region.
About the Center for Research and Technology
Located in the heart of Virginia' s Technology Corridor, the Center for Research and Technology is a 457-acre business park strategically positioned adjacent to Interstate 81 in South Roanoke County at Exit 132 near Dixie Caverns. The CRT is designed to lure technology companies and offers unparalled advantages for technology-based businesses. Given its proximity to Virginia Tech, coupled with Virginia' s commitment to advancing technology enterprise, the Center is destined to become Southwest Virginia' s Premier Technology Community.
County officials have committed in excess of $5 million towards the acquisition, construction and infrastructure improvements for the park, and are the sole owners of the development. The CRT incorporates protective covenants and design features that will ensure compatible development throughout the park. The site is zoned as a Planned Technology Development District (PTD) - a unique zoning code that allows research and development, industrial, commercial and residential activities to co-exist under specific conditions in the creation of a technology community. Specifically, the CRT is a place where individuals can come to work and stay - a place to build a home, a place to shop, and a place to raise a family.
About Novozymes Biologicals, Inc.
Novozymes Biologicals is a biotech company developing and producing microbial based formulations for industrial, consumer and agriculture uses. Novozymes Biologicals became a wholly owned subsidiary of Denmark based Novozymes A/S on July 1, 2001. Novozymes Biologicals employs approximately 100 people worldwide and approximately 65 in Salem. For more information, visit www.novozymes.com and click on "Let Microbes Work for You".
About Novozymes
Novozymes A/S is a biotech-based company and the world' s largest producer of enzymes for industrial use. Headquartered in Denmark, Novozymes employs more than 3,000 people. The company has its own activities in 20 countries and sells its enzymes in more than 120 countries. Novozymes' B shares are listed on the Copenhagen Stock exchange. Novozymes was spun off from Novo Nordsk A/S in November 2000. For more information, visit www.novozymes.com.