Germany's KWS is one of the world's leading breeding companies. In 2019, KWS set up its new vegetable breeding Business Unit in Wageningen. On Thursday, Feb. 9 the new High Tech R&D facilities on Wageningen Campus were opened, allowing KWS to expand significantly in Wageningen.
Paul Degreef, Head of KWS Business Unit Vegetables, welcomes the visitors to the opening ceremony of the new lab facilities.
The company focuses on breeding, production and sales of seeds for corn, sugar beets, grains, rapeseed and sunflowers. The arrival of KWS Vegetables has expanded the portfolio to include tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, melon and watermelon. In doing so, KWS applies the most modern breeding methods. The new research facilities measure nearly 450 square meters, including lab space, tissue culture space and three growth chambers.
Oost NL and the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) supported KWS in its search for a suitable business location in Gelderland and introduced KWS to the Foodvalley network. "By expanding its facilities at Wageningen Campus, KWS can further advance innovation of vegetable breeding. Higher seed yields contribute to sustainable food production for the steadily growing world population," said Paul Degreef, Head of KWS Vegetables.
Martin de Vos, Global Head of Research KWS Vegetables: "The opening of this R&D facility is a great step for us and fits into our strategy to provide the world with high quality varieties. The Foodvalley region is an inspiring environment where companies and talent meet. The support of Oost NL and the NFIA in establishment and expansion has accelerated the process, enabling us to open this wonderful lab now."
Valuable addition to ecosystem
The expansion also allows for further collaboration with Wageningen University & Research and other campus residents. Jurgen Sonneborn, senior project manager Food at Oost NL: "KWS is a valuable addition to the ecosystem around Wageningen, where numerous companies and knowledge institutions are working to accelerate innovations and technologies to enable the sustainable production of sufficient food."
The KWS Vegetables business unit is located in Kadans Science Partners' Plus Ultra II building complex on the Wageningen University & Research (WUR) Campus. It is the central hub from which the activities of the Vegetables business unit are directed. There are 23 employees working at this location.
