Novonesis, a biotechnology company specializing in enzymes and microbes biosolutions, recently announced a $5 million expansion at its Salem facilities to enhance its spore production capabilities. This investment will take place over the next 18 months and will include improvements to three of the company’s five facilities in Salem. The expansion will also create five new jobs, which the company said reinforces its commitment to growth in the Roanoke Valley.
Headquartered in Denmark, Novonesis employs over 10,000 people worldwide, with operations in major markets such as China, India, Brazil, Argentina, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. The company’s Salem operation, it said, plays a critical role in Planetary Health sectors of the business, producing biosolutions that support plant growth, animal health, and aquaculture systems, as well as products for water treatment and industrial cleaning.
“As a company dedicated to cutting-edge bioscience, Novonesis is excited to expand in Salem, where we have long benefited from the region’s skilled workforce, research partnerships, and strong business climate,” said Derek Fagg, head of Novonesis Plant Salem. “This investment reflects our commitment to meeting global demand and continuing to innovate in the field of sustainable biosolutions.”
Novonesis’ presence in Salem traces back to the late 1940s when George A. Jeffreys founded G.A. Jeffreys & Co. to manufacture microbes, laying the groundwork for decades of biotech innovation in the region. Through acquisitions and continued growth, the Salem operations became part of Novozymes in the early 2000s, solidifying the region’s role in global biosolutions. Today, with more than 75 years of history in Salem, Novonesis continues to build on this legacy, driving innovation in microbial and enzyme-based solutions.
In support of this latest expansion, the City of Salem and the Salem Economic Development Authority are providing a $50,000 Machine & Tool Tax Grant through a performance agreement, reinforcing the region’s commitment to fostering biotech growth.
“Novonesis’ decision to expand in Salem underscores the region’s competitive edge in biotech innovation,” said John Hull, executive director of the Roanoke Regional Partnership. “With the presence of leading research institutions and a strong pipeline of talent, the Roanoke Innovation Corridor is becoming a premier destination for companies at the forefront of life sciences and biotechnology.”
“The City of Salem is proud to support Novonesis in this important expansion,” said Mayor Renee Turk. “Their work in biotechnology not only strengthens our local economy but also contributes to advancements in agriculture and health worldwide. Salem is committed to fostering an environment where innovative companies like Novonesis can thrive.”
This investment further strengthens the Roanoke Region’s position as a hub for biotechnology and life sciences, a key focus of the Roanoke Innovation Corridor—a growing ecosystem of research institutions, biotech companies, and industry leaders driving advancements in health and science. Novonesis has been committed to growing biotech in the region as a longstanding member of the Roanoke Blacksburg Innovation Alliance (formerly Verge) and as a company that has expanded its operations in the region on several occasions.
