DES MOINES, Iowa – April 26, 2012 – Kemin Industries begins construction on its new research and development facility in Des Moines this week. The state-of-the-art facility will provide 1,215 linear feet of laboratory bench space for approximately 60 scientists.

The new facility includes two general labs, six shared laboratories and three pilot laboratories. The pilot laboratories focus on developing products that can be scaled up in preparation for full-market launch.

“If you want to know what inspires scientists and researchers to do their best work, all you have to do is ask them–and that’s exactly what we did,” said Dr. Chris Nelson, President and CEO of Kemin. “They helped create the design for the new R&D facility which is an open-concept approach and includes shared laboratories. It is the best possible environment for encouraging collaboration and new product breakthroughs.”

Kemin scientists researching and developing products for the feed and food industries as well as the health, nutrition and beauty markets will work in the new building. The existing facility will continue to operate at full capacity with scientists focused on discovery research and pet food.

There are several unique features in the new building, including a sensory lab and test kitchen for the company’s food technologies division. It will also have a test lab for evaluating Kemin molecules in personal care products.

The new research facility is part of a global expansion plan Kemin announced in October of 2010. Among other things, Kemin will double the size of its headquarters in Iowa. The research facility, which is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2013, will eventually connect to a new global headquarters building.

Kemin – Inspired Molecular Solutions™
Kemin (www.kemin.com) provides “inspired molecular solutions” specifically developed to provide nutrition and health benefits for humans and animals. Committed to feed and food safety, Kemin maintains top-of-the-line manufacturing facilities where approximately 500 specialty ingredients are made for the global feed and food industries as well as the health, nutrition and beauty markets. A privately held, family-owned and operated company, Kemin has nearly 1,500 employees and operates in more than 90 countries with manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, India, Italy, Singapore, South Africa and the United states.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Erin Hockman, + 1 515-559-5349, erin.hockman@kemin.com