Biotechnology leader Novonesis announced a significant $5 million expansion of its Salem, Virginia facilities, enhancing the company's spore production capabilities and creating five new jobs in the region. The investment, scheduled over the next 18 months, will upgrade three of the company's five facilities in Salem, further cementing the Roanoke Region's status as an emerging biotechnology hub.
"As a company dedicated to cutting-edge bioscience, Novonesis is excited to expand in Salem, where we have long benefited from the region's skilled workforce, research partnerships, and strong business climate," said Derek Fagg, Head of Novonesis Plant Salem. "This investment reflects our commitment to meeting global demand and continuing to innovate in the field of sustainable biosolutions."
Headquartered in Denmark, Novonesis employs over 10,000 people globally with operations spanning major markets including China, India, Brazil, Argentina, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. The company specializes in enzymes and microbial biosolutions with applications across multiple industries.
Historical Significance in Salem
Novonesis's presence in Salem traces back to the late 1940s when George A. Jeffreys founded G.A. Jeffreys & Co. to manufacture microbes. Through acquisitions and continued growth, the Salem operations became part of Novozymes in the early 2000s before eventually operating under the Novonesis banner. Today, with more than 75 years of history in Salem, the company continues to build on this legacy of biotech innovation.
The Salem facilities play a crucial role in Novonesis's Planetary Health sectors, producing biosolutions that support plant growth, animal health, and aquaculture systems, as well as products for water treatment and industrial cleaning.
Local Support and Regional Impact
The City of Salem and the Salem Economic Development Authority are supporting the expansion with a $50,000 Machine & Tool Tax Grant through a performance agreement, demonstrating the region's commitment to fostering biotechnology growth.
"Novonesis' decision to expand in Salem underscores the region's competitive edge in biotech innovation," said John Hull, Executive Director of the Roanoke Regional Partnership. "With the presence of leading research institutions and a strong pipeline of talent, the Roanoke Innovation Corridor is becoming a premier destination for companies at the forefront of life sciences and biotechnology."
Mayor Renee Turk added, "The City of Salem is proud to support Novonesis in this important expansion. Their work in biotechnology not only strengthens our local economy but also contributes to advancements in agriculture and health worldwide. Salem is committed to fostering an environment where innovative companies like Novonesis can thrive."
Strengthening the Biotech Ecosystem
This investment further reinforces the Roanoke Region's position as a growing hub for biotechnology and life sciences, a key focus of the Roanoke Innovation Corridor—an ecosystem of research institutions, biotech companies, and industry leaders driving advancements in health and science.
Novonesis has demonstrated its commitment to the regional biotech landscape as a longstanding member of the Roanoke Blacksburg Innovation Alliance (formerly Verge) and through multiple expansions of its operations in the area over the years.
The company's continued investment in Salem highlights the strategic advantages of the region for biotechnology operations, including access to skilled talent, research partnerships, and a supportive business environment that encourages innovation in sustainable biosolutions.
