Biofuel Review, UK
03-21-07
Novozymes upgrades midwest ethanol/biofuel research and support
As interest in ethanol-based fuel research and production continues to increase,
Novozymes has established a Midwest Customer Solutions centre in Ames,
Iowa, in order to better serve its customer base in the biofuels Industry.
The centre, located at the Iowa State University Research Park in Ames, will
provide regionalized 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 focus of the site will be to provide regionally-based 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 can support ongoing research and development
projects as Novozymes develops technologies which are helping to make
cellulosic ethanol commercially viable.
“Opening our doors in the Midwest is about maintaining our high-level, valueadded technical services support to our customer plants. This regional facility
extends our presence and will allow us to continually improve the efficiency of
ethanol production with our customers,” said Tom Burns, Novozymes’ Customer
Solutions Manager. “By strategically locating this satellite office in the heart of
America’s fuel ethanol industry, we are better able to serve Novozymes’
customers through closer access to our experts, analytical support and a regional
training centre. This location will also allow us to advance biofuels research by
partnering with some of the world’s top scientists and specialist in bioenergy at
Iowa State University.”
Iowa Gov. Chet Culver applauded the company’s ongoing efforts to not only
enhance current technologies, but also connect that research to the public sector
through expanded locations such as the Ames office. “Iowa’s economic
development momentum, particularly in alternative fuels, is impacting
communities all over the state,” Gov. Chet Culver said. “Public-private
collaborations, such as the Novozymes-Iowa State University project, enhance
Iowa’s leadership in the renewable energy arena and generate greater energy
and economic security. The State of Iowa is pleased to be a partner in making
this collaboration come to fruition.”
According to Burns, the Midwest centre will coordinate efforts with Novozymes’
North American headquarters in Franklinton, N.C., to provide the most efficient
and effective customer service and support for ethanol industry customers.
“Novozymes is committed to providing our customers with top-quality products
combined with unparalleled technical support,” said Burns. “This facility allows
us, literally, to be a ‘good neighbor’ to our customers by being more readily
available to provide the highest level of technical service directly from our
Customer Solutions Team.”