GILROY, CALIF., USA — Syngenta Flowers, Inc., a global leader in the breeding and production of hybrid flower seed and vegetative cuttings for high-quality pot and bedding plants, is investing $8.25 million in its Gilroy, Calif., research and development (R&D) campus to build a world-class R&D Center of Excellence for ornamental horticulture. The Center will provide Syngenta with new capabilities to harness the power of its deep knowledge and expertise in plant protection, media and genetics to develop new solutions for customers in the ornamental horticulture industry.
“Our new Center of Excellence in Gilroy will better enable Syngenta to develop and deliver plants and solutions that provide superior performance in the professional greenhouse, at retail, in professionally landscaped environments and in the home garden,” said Tim Kroenke, head, Syngenta Lawn & Garden, North America. “To continue to earn our customers’ business in today’s marketplace, Syngenta is committed to delivering unsurpassed plant solutions throughout North America and the world. This new Center will provide us with the facilities needed to carry out this ambitious mission.”
The majority of investment dollars will be used to replace existing greenhouse structures with three state-of-the-art greenhouse facilities. Additionally, hoop houses and a pot-filling operation will be constructed. The greenhouses, which are expected to be completed by the fall of 2012, will house breeding programs for Pansy, Viola, Geranium, Chrysanthemums and other flower crops. A third R&D greenhouse structure will provide environmental testing capabilities furthering the study of individual plant performance.
“The new greenhouses will also provide us with the research capabilities and technology we need to extend plant shelf-life at retail, reduce plant losses during transportation and better understand methods for managing water stress,” stated Keelan Pulliam, president of Syngenta Flowers, Inc., in North America. “Our R&D teams will also continue to focus on the creation of new innovative varieties that could be attractive to growers and consumers.”
Syngenta’s investment in the Gilroy campus is indicative of its long-standing commitment to the community. “We’re proud to be in Gilroy, and we’re excited about the new R&D Center of Excellence facilities,” Pulliam continued. “We’re looking forward to a long and fruitful future here.”
About Syngenta
Syngenta is one of the world's leading companies with more than 26,000 employees in over 90 countries dedicated to our purpose: Bringing plant potential to life. Through world-class science, global reach and commitment to our customers we help to increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life. For more information about us please go to www.syngenta.com.
Source: Syngenta
