DES MOINES, IOWA — E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co. has opened a $40 million, 200,000-square-foot plant genetics research facility in Johnston, Iowa.

“Beaver Creek will take DuPont’s research and development efforts in seed and plant genetics to the next level and ensure we are consistently providing new solutions and products to farmers and communities around the world,” said Paul E. Schickler, president of Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business. “Pioneer is dedicated to providing the right product for the right acre, and this new facility in Johnston will advance that mission.”

Experts in plant physiology, molecular biology and bioinformatics at the research facility will focus on plant breeding and the development of new transgenic products.

In addition to the new research facility, DuPont said it will expand Pioneer’s office and laboratory facilities in the state by 425,000 square feet with the addition of Beaver Creek and the doubling of its greenhouse and research offices in Johnston.