Sep 19, 2014

Bayer Opens New Research Greenhouse in MemphisSource: Bayer CropScience

On Sept. 4, Bayer CropScience celebrated the grand opening of its newest research facility — a $17 million, 76,000-square-foot greenhouse and headhouse addition to its Memphis site.

“Driving innovation requires giving our scientists world-class facilities and tools. Our greenhouse is unique in its scale and global scope, and will help Bayer CropScience better serve growers by giving them more choices for improving their crop quality and yield,” said Mike Gilbert, head of global breeding and trait development for Bayer CropScience.

Memphis is the latest Bayer CropScience location to open a new greenhouse. In 2012, the $20 million, 60,000-square foot Greenhouse 5 facility opened at the company’s North American and global Seeds headquarters in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, which will be joined on campus next year by Greenhouse 1, a 29,500-square-foot facility that is part of a $29.6 million site expansion.

“Our newest greenhouse is part of a series of investments that reinforce our national and global efforts and commitment to improving the lives of people in the communities we serve,” said Blome. “The high-level research and development taking place at these facilities will allow us to leave a better world through promoting ‘Science: for a Better Life.’”

In support of company-wide environmentally compatible practices, the Memphis greenhouse was designed with sustainability in mind. The automation incorporated into the facility’s design means the greenhouse will have a reduced carbon footprint, which means less materials used in construction and an approximate 40 percent reduction annually in natural gas and electricity consumption.

Additionally, the facility will include sensor detecting light fixtures, high efficiency greenhouse lights with longer-lasting ballasts, recycled greenhouse water to irrigate seedlings, as well as hands-free plumbing fixtures.

For more information about Bayer CropScience’s Memphis site, visit http://www.bayercropscience.us/who-we-are/locations/memphis.