Syngenta held a groundbreaking event yesterday for its new North American Crop Protection Headquarters, a major capital construction project at its current location in Greensboro. Syngenta leadership shared a preview with architectural renderings and noted innovative site features for those in attendance. State and local officials were on hand to discuss the significance of this long-term investment to the local community and economy.
One of the objectives of the event was to recognize community leaders and subcontractors, essential to the success of the project. According to Vern Hawkins, president of Syngenta Crop Protection, the construction of a new headquarters in Greensboro is a true team effort.
“The Syngenta family has been part of the fabric of this community for many decades, and it’s our goal to remain in Greensboro for many years to come,” Hawkins said. “Our new headquarters will enable Greensboro-based colleagues to work together in modern, efficient facilities, enabling better collaboration and focus to meet our customers’ needs.”
Hawkins added that Syngenta would like to recognize the following subcontractors who will be helping bring the new Greensboro headquarters to life.
- SPC Mechanical/Plumbing ― Winston-Salem
- AAR Roofing ― Kernersville
- DARI Demolition ― Greensboro
- Lyndon Steel ― Winston-Salem
- Binswanger Glazing and Storefront ― Greensboro
- Sunland Fire Protection ― High Point
- Triangle Grading and Paving ― Burlington
- Cook & Boardman ― Winston-Salem
- Shields Drywall ― Winston-Salem
- McGee Brothers Masonry ― Greensboro
- Bryant-Durham Electrical ― Durham
- Advanced Exterior Systems ― Raleigh
- IQ Contracting ― Raleigh
- S&ME ― Greensboro
“For as long as I can remember, the Syngenta facility — once Ciba-Geigy — has stood at one of the main entrances to Greensboro, an important reminder of our community’s agricultural science and technology abilities,” said Greensboro Mayor, Nancy Vaughan. “We are thrilled that Syngenta has decided to build its new state-of-the-art office and research facility here — and that local employers are playing such an important role in its development.”
Skip Alston, chairman of the Guilford County Board of Commissioners, added, “It’s vital to keep jobs in the county, and the role played by these local businesses demonstrates the positive impact this project will have.”
Brent Christensen, president and CEO of the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, added, “We applaud Syngenta’s decision to remain in our community, reaffirming the great business climate and talent found in the Greensboro, High Point and Guilford County area. And we are excited about the incredible positive impact this project will have throughout the region, something that is already being seen through the local businesses involved in its construction.”
Syngenta intends to construct a more than 100,000 square-foot office building to connect with its existing laboratory facility on the north side of the 70-acre campus. Plans also include a complete renovation of all laboratories. The new workspaces will support about 650 employees and 100 contract workers. The entire project is expected to be completed in 2024.
The redeveloped headquarters site will include contemporary work and conference spaces; a health, wellness and fitness center; a cafeteria; an auditorium; coffee areas; and other amenities. In addition, a Customer Experience Center is planned to showcase the company’s innovative approach in solving grower and broader agriculture industry challenges. Employee health, safety and work effectiveness will be key factors in the design and construction.
In addition to Hawkins and Vaughn, speakers at the groundbreaking event included J. Carlvena Foster, vice chairwoman of the Guildford County Board of Commissioners; Steve Troxler, commissioner of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services; Mitch Peele, senior director of public policy at the North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation; and Brent Christensen, president and chief executive officer of the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce.
Syngenta’s 70-acre Greensboro campus, now with 17 structures, was established in the mid-1960s and later acquired by Syngenta legacy company Ciba-Geigy.
For more information:
Syngenta
www.syngenta.com