After two years of work, Corteva celebrated the grand opening of the new Midland Spinosyns Manufacturing facility.
On Thursday, Aug. 11, community members, contributors and supporters gathered at Dow Diamond to honor the groups involved with the expansion, including Bierlein Companies, Three Rivers Corporation, Windemueller Electric, Valley Electric and Alloy Construction Services.
The project cost $242 million, and will expand the global impact of Corteva’s spinosyns products, including Jemvelva and Qalcova. These products are used in over 100 different countries to protect a variety of crops from destructive insects and maximize the amount of fresh food that can be sent to distributors.
Among several speakers at the event was Congressman Dan Kildee, D-Flint.
“This announcement is really a reflection of the strength of this community and innovation of the people who have come here and done so much great work,” Kildee said. “It's healthy for our people, it's healthy for our planet and ultimately, perhaps most importantly right here, it’s healthy for the economy.”
Officials said the sustainable insecticides will use a natural fermentation process. Both have been awarded by the environmental protection agency for incorporating green chemistry with chemical design.
Corteva previously impacted the Midland community after the flood caused by the destruction of Edenville and Sanford dams. Partnering with United Way, they contributed $100,000 in flood relief in 2020.
The new Corteva facility is located within the Midland Industrial Park.
