Japan’s Spiber Inc. Chooses Clinton, Iowa to Produce Innovative Biotech Product
Clinton, IA – Japan’s Spiber Inc., a biotech startup that produces lab-grown proteins such as spider silk for use in clothing and other consumer products, announced today it will expand production of its plant-based polymers to Clinton, its first U.S. facility, through a partnership with ADM. The expansion stems from a relationship between Spiber and Iowa that started with the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) years ago and solidified during Governor Kim Reynolds’ trade mission to Japan last year.
In Clinton, Spiber America LLC, a subsidiary of Spiber Inc., will combine its technology with ADM’s infrastructure and expertise. The two companies have partnered to modify and expand equipment at ADM’s biorefinery in Clinton. An economic development incentive package approved by the IEDA Board helped ensure the Clinton location would become the first U.S. facility to produce Spiber’s protein polymers. The incentive package includes direct assistance in the amount of $1 million through the state’s High Quality Jobs (HQJ) Program, and the City of Clinton plans to provide a 20% match. This project represents a $101.4 million capital investment.
“Iowa has a deep understanding of the positive impact potential of projects like ours and has created an environment that is conducive to success,” said Daniel Meyer, president of Spiber America. “This award will enable Spiber to accelerate its investment in the equipment and infrastructure used to convert corn-based dextrose into alternative proteins for use as next-generation biomaterials across many industries. We are thrilled to bring our production to Clinton.”
“We’re proud of our unmatched fermentation technology, and we’re excited to partner with Spiber to bring those capabilities together with our engineering expertise and long value chain to create plant-based polymers that will go into everything from clothes to car seats,” said Ian Pinner, ADM’s chief strategy and innovation officer and president of the company’s Health & Wellness division. “We’re equally excited to bring this job-creating project to the Clinton region, a community that is home to nearly 900 ADM colleagues.”
“Clinton, IA is a prime location for biotech companies. Surrounded by corn and soybeans, we respect our local farmers for growing high-quality feedstock that is attracting high-tech companies like Spiber America LLC,” added Erin M. Cole, President and CEO of the Clinton Regional Development Corporation.
Clinton is located in easternmost Iowa along the Mississippi River. It is home to dozens of manufacturing companies, including ADM, LyondellBasell, Custom-Pak, Nestle Purina PetCare Company, Sethness Roquette and many others. For companies interested in locating in Clinton, we have land available at the rail-served Lincolnway Industrial Rail & Air Park (an Iowa Certified Site for heavy industry) and the Lyons Business & Technology Park (light industry/R&D). Please contact Erin Cole for more information: (563) 242 – 4536 or e-mail ecole@clintondevelopment.com
