The Janesville research center, which was established in 1982, develops and evaluates corn hybrid products that best fit Wisconsin and Northern Illinois maturity zones and environmental pressures, including insect and disease pests. There are currently about 25 full time employees at the center.

The planned 12,000-square-foot expansion will create more office space and research capacity and allow for the possible future addition of new positions at the facility. Pioneer plans to break ground on the addition this month, with completion scheduled for this fall.

The Janesville expansion is the latest of several recent local investments made by Pioneer, including expanded research facilities in Eau Claire. Pioneer also has recently announced several expansions and new facilities to increase research and production capacity across North America, including new research facilities and space for 400 additional research positions based in Johnston, Iowa, and a $55 million soybean production plant in New Madrid, Missouri.