Novozymes to Build New USD 80-100 Million Production Facility in Nebraska to Meet Future Demands for Enzymes in the Bioethanol Industry

OMAHA, Neb.-- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The new facility will be located on a 30-acre property at the Biorefinery Campus in Blair, Nebraska, approximately 25 miles north of Omaha. Novozymes expects to break ground in late 2008 with operations beginning in late 2010. The investment is expected to be USD 80-100 million.

“We are very excited about expanding our enzyme manufacturing operations in the U.S.,” says Peder Holk Nielsen, Executive Vice President and Head of Enzyme Business. “As the leader in enzymes for fuel ethanol, we want to continue our strong commitment to our customers. Initially the focus of the new plant will be to supply enzymes for corn based ethanol and enzymes for cellulosic ethanol start ups. The plant in Blair will be designed for later expansions to ensure Novozymes can meet demands for enzymes for cellulosic ethanol. We are undertaking an unprecedented effort to make these enzymes available by 2010.”

Novozymes conducted a worldwide search for a new location before settling on the Midwest. “The U.S. is an attractive and competitive market for us to invest in,” explains Peder Holk Nielsen. “The new location will allow us to sustain our close cooperation with bioethanol customers across the Midwest and provide us access to a well-educated workforce and a good infrastructure.”

The State of Nebraska welcomes Novozymes to Blair. “Nebraska is pleased that Novozymes has selected Blair for its world-class biotech facility,” said Governor Dave Heineman. “Our Nebraska Advantage package has made our state globally competitive for high tech companies such as Novozymes to grow their business in Nebraska.”

Roger Christianson, President Gateway Development Corporation, continues, “We are delighted with Novozymes’ decision to locate their new production facility in Blair. We are proud of our ability to compete successfully for this global leader in bioinnovation. This is another example of the Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership team working together to bring significant investment and jobs to our region."

Novozymes is the world leader in bio-innovation. Together with customers across a broad array of industries, we create tomorrow’s industrial biosolutions, improving our customers' business and the use of our planet's resources. With over 700 products used in 130 countries, Novozymes’ bio-innovations improve industrial performance and safeguard the world’s resources by offering superior and sustainable solutions for tomorrow’s ever-changing marketplace. Novozymes’ natural solutions enhance and promote everything from removing trans-fats in food, to advancing biofuels to power the world tomorrow. Our never-ending exploration of nature’s potential is evidenced by over 4,500 patents, showing what is possible when nature and technology join forces. Our 4,500+ employees working in research, production and sales around the world are committed to shaping business today and our world tomorrow. Novozymes is quoted on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange (NZYMB). Read more at www.novozymes.com.

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