Menu

Mead Johnson Begins Construction on New Research and Development Technology Center

EVANSVILLE, Ind., December 4, 2008 — Mead Johnson Nutrition broke ground today for a $26.2 million Global Research and Development Technology Center that will further strengthen the company's innovation processes as well as Southwestern Indiana's biotechnology presence.

Mead Johnson Chief Executive Officer Stephen Golsby said that the technology center will position the company for continued advancement of its leadership position in the global pediatric nutrition marketplace while also benefitting Evansville and Southwestern Indiana by linking investment in biosciences with economic growth.

Golsby said that Mead Johnson considered other alternatives before deciding to construct the facility in Evansville. "Having the technology center here represents a compelling opportunity to build upon Mead Johnson's existing research and development resources in Evansville," he said. "It will also contribute to our continuing investment in Evansville and to the high-caliber life-sciences initiatives that are a priority for Southwestern Indiana."

Golsby noted that Mead Johnson supports the Indiana Life Sciences Initiative, which seeks to pursue economic growth through the state's existing life-sciences industry. Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, U.S. Congressman Brad Ellsworth and Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel participated in the groundbreaking ceremony on behalf of the state, region and city, respectively.

The centerpiece of the 30,000-square foot capability will be a four-story pilot production spray dryer, which will allow for testing of trial formulations of products in powder form. Completion is expected during the summer of 2010. The center will be located on the company's Evansville campus in an area where obsolete buildings were demolished a few years ago. Local companies will do the majority of the engineering and construction work.

Senior Vice President, Global Research & Development Dirk Hondmann, Ph.D., explained that competitive leadership in the pediatric nutrition marketplace requires innovation, which is dependent on having superior technology and facilities as well as being able to attract qualified professionals. "Our new Research and Development Technology Center will be a vital part of our innovation capability," he said. "In order to create nutritional brands and products trusted to give infants and children the best start in life, we must be able to transfer innovation from the laboratory to full-scale manufacturing. Our new technology center represents a vital link in moving that process forward quickly and allowing us to pursue a new era of pediatric nutrition research.

Mead Johnson Nutrition is a global leader in pediatric nutrition. Our mission is to create nutritional brands and products trusted to give infants and children the best start in life.

CONTACT:
Susan Wedeking
Mead Johnson Nutrition
(812) 429-5674
susan.wedeking@bms.com

12/4/2008