Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc. announced today that it will expand the research capacity of its Johnston and Dallas Center research centers in the largest year-to-year increase in research investment and staffing since the company was founded 81 years ago.

The expansion at the two centers will add 73 positions focused on corn and soybean research, trait discovery and trait technologies. It is part of a worldwide effort by Pioneer’s parent company, E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., to reinvest $100 million in its seed business, which includes adding more than 400 positions and expanding 67 of Pioneer’s 92 research centers. Pioneer also plans to increase its sales and marketing resources globally.

Pioneer’s headquarters in Johnston will add 62 research positions, which will expand its genetic discovery and trait technology programs designed to improve the yield and nutritional value of important food crops, protect crops against damaging pests and drought, and optimize crops for biofuels uses.

The Dallas Center facility, established in 2004, will undergo building remodeling and addition this year to accommodate increased programs and staff. The changes will include an equipment warehouse, cold storage area and additional office and workspace. All of Pioneer’s discovery breeding field staff will relocate to the center and increased funding will support researchers’ efforts to develop soybean products with modified oil content as part of the Bunge DuPont Biotech Alliance.