Novozymes opens biofuel research center in Iowa

Novozymes, a leader in biotech enzyme and microorganism research, has established an office in Ames, Iowa, to "better serve its customer base in the biofuels industry."

Recently visited and recognized by U.S. President George Bush for its research in alternative fuel technology (see The greening of the U.S. President), Novozymes is applying advanced enzyme technology to the production of fuel ethanol from corn and agricultural residue.

The new center, located at the Iowa State University Research Park in Ames, will provide regional support and technical service to customers beginning in April. Customer training programs will be implemented upon the building’s completion, expected in July 2007.

The company says the focus of the site will be to provide know-how and services to Novozymes’ customer base in the Midwest, with an emphasis on support and training to plants using enzyme products to convert starches into fuel ethanol. Additionally, the location is to support ongoing research and development projects, as Novozymes develops technologies which are expected to help make cellulosic ethanol commercially viable.

“By strategically locating this satellite office in the heart of America’s fuel ethanol industry, we are better able to serve top scientists and specialists in bioenergy at Iowa State University,” said Tom Burns, Novozymes’ Customer Solutions Manager.

Headquartered in Denmark, Novozymes employs more than 4,500 people in more than 30 countries. Novozymes produces and sells more than 600 products in 130 countries.