Hermiston, Ore. — DuPont Pioneer announced plans Wednesday to increase production capacity at its Hermiston production plant, which will add 18 new jobs.

The expansion, expected to break ground later this year and be completed in 2014, will double the capacity of the current parent corn and pre-commercial hybrid seed corn facility.

“We’re excited to be growing here,” said Les Heeringa, location manager, a press release. “This location has the growing conditions necessary for certain products in addition to a very supportive community, which has been vital.”

Upon completion, the expansion will help Pioneer to deliver corn seed products to customers around the globe, the release said.

“The DuPont Pioneer expansion in Hermiston is good news for our state, and good news for eastern Oregon’s agriculture economy,” stated Gov. John Kitzhaber. “The new jobs created by this expansion pay far above Umatilla County’s current median income and are exactly the kinds of jobs I’m working to bring to every part of Oregon.”

“Pioneer’s initial selection and subsequent expansions in Hermiston are a testament to our region’s excellent growing climate which accommodates more than 60 varieties of agricultural commodities,” stated Hermiston Mayor Dave Drotzmann. “This commitment to expand operations in Hermiston also highlight’s our excellent climate for growing businesses which provide these types of good family-wage jobs through collaboration with our state and local partners.”

Funding for the project includes a performance agreement from the Governor's Strategic Reserve Fund; strategic infrastructure investments from the city of Hermiston; Port of Umatilla; Umatilla County; and an Enterprise Zone property tax abatement from the city and county. Pioneer first established a presence in the area with its parent seed production facility in 2009 and is one of more than four dozen production locations in North America.

DuPont Pioneer is the world's leading developer and supplier of advanced plant genetics, providing high-quality seeds to farmers in more than 90 countries. Pioneer provides agronomic support and services to help increase farmer productivity and profitability and strives to develop sustainable agricultural systems for people everywhere, the release said.