International Flavors and Fragrances is seeking state funding support for a $22.2 million expansion of its plant in southwest Cedar Rapids. Danisco US Inc., a subsidiary of International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), is applying for funds from the state’s High-Quality Jobs program to support the project, and the Cedar Rapids City Council approved a resolution […]
International Flavors and Fragrances is seeking state funding support for a $22.2 million expansion of its plant in southwest Cedar Rapids.
Danisco US Inc., a subsidiary of International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), is applying for funds from the state’s High-Quality Jobs program to support the project, and the Cedar Rapids City Council approved a resolution of support authorizing sponsorship of the application as part of the council’s consent agenda March 12.
The project itself will involve construction of a new 9,000-square-foot metal building at IFF’s manufacturing facility, 1000 41st Ave. Dr. SW, to “enable on-site steam generation to supply our current operations and allow for future growth opportunities at the Cedar Rapids facility,” said an IFF company spokesperson.
“The project represents a major capital investment in Iowa and is expected to create additional high-quality jobs in the local community,” the spokesperson added.
The application indicates the project will include the creation of two new jobs at or above the area’s high-quality wage rate.
The Iowa Economic Development Authority board is slated to consider Danisco’s application at its meeting March 22, according to council documents.
The project is expected to generate an estimated $124,000 in new property taxes over the next five years, with $55,000 being exempted, according to council documents.
According to city council documents, “Typically, the city would provide local match funds, through either a rebate or tax abatement, to support the project as required by the HQJ program. However, based on the scope of the project – consisting primarily of machinery and equipment – the taxable value is not expected to increase sufficiently to trigger a tax abatement on the improvements.”
The Cedar Rapids plant was founded by Genencor in 1991. It was renamed to Dupont Industrial Biosciences in 2011 when Danisco, Genencor's corporate parent, was acquired by DuPont, which then merged with
International Flavors & Fragrances in 2020.
“IFF is a global leader in food and beverage, home and personal care, and health,” the company spokesperson said. “At our Cedar Rapids site, we manufacture enzymes for biofuel production and food, animal nutrition, and home and personal care products.”