Valent BioSciences has opened its new Venburg Wing at the company’s Melnik and Shafer Biorational Research Center in Libertyville, Illinois (U.S.).

The state-of-the-art Venburg Wing includes new laboratory and pilot plant areas, offices and meeting rooms. The space is named after Dr. Greg Venburg, Senior Director, Global Research at Valent BioSciences, who has served in a variety of leadership positions for the past 33 years. He currently manages the company’s interdisciplinary scientific research programs and research staff.

Salman Mir, president and CEO of Valent BioSciences, said Venburg has served in various R&D leadership roles and overseen the research, development and introduction of biorational technologies and products. “Greg was also central to the planning, design and construction of this facility, and provided essential vision and leadership in forming the research teams working to develop innovative solutions to new and emerging biorational needs and opportunities,” said Mir. “His contributions have been essential in helping us strengthen our industry leadership position.”

Valent BioSciences is also undertaking a major expansion at its Osage, Iowa, manufacturing facility that will be completed in early 2025. The additions include new production-scale fermentation and recovery equipment, a new pilot plant facility and expanded laboratory space.