Monsanto is investing $155 million to double corn seed production operations in Nebraska. It will do so by constructing a new DEKALB seed conditioning facility near Waco in York County and by expanding the company's existing operation in Kearney.

The expansion, according to company officials, is expected to add more than 55 full-time jobs and nearly 2,000 part-time positions. Construction of the new facility and expansion of the current production site are expected to be completed in 2009.

"Expanding production capacity in Nebraska is essential in continuing to meet the growing demand for our DEKALB brand corn seed products throughout the Western Corn Belt," says Mark Leidy, executive vice president of manufacturing for Monsanto Company.

"Monsanto is another great example of our Nebraska Advantage jobs creation package at work in rural Nebraska," says Gov. Dave Heineman. "Having just returned from my Asian Trade Mission, the large demand for high-yield corn is evident here and in our international markets."

The new DEKALB seed production facility will be built on more than 145 acres of land outside Waco and will feature more than 230,000 square feet of warehouse space, bulk storage, three high-capacity seed dryers and green corn receiving lines, and a 180-foot tall conditioning tower that package an estimated 1,200 units of seed per hour.

The Kearney facility will add one new high-capacity dryer, green corn receiving line, bulk storage and an additional 60,000 square feet of warehouse space. The new additions are estimated to boost overall production by more than 30%.

Construction has already begun at the Kearney facility and work will begin after harvest at Waco.