Smartpark Development Corporation has commenced construction of a new 42,000 sq.ft. multi-tenant facility at One Research Road in Smartpark, the University of Manitoba’s research and technology park. Joining the ever-increasing community of innovators at Smartpark is anchor tenant Monsanto Canada, which is establishing its national headquarters at One Research Road.  

“Attracting Monsanto is a big win for Smartpark,” said Alan Simms, Smartpark president. “We are developing a world-class research and technology park with a diversified tenant base ranging from large multi-nationals to small and medium enterprises to government-related agencies and labs.”

Monsanto Canada is an agricultural company with a focus on plant biotechnology. It employs about 100 people in Winnipeg and close to 300 across Canada and will occupy 22,000 sq. ft. within the new facility.

“Monsanto is proud to choose Winnipeg as the site of its Canadian head office,” said Kathy Klepfer, vice-president and general manager of Monsanto Canada. “We have a strong research and breeding program that is focused on seed and trait enhancements in agricultural crops that are important to Canadian growers. As a high-tech, science-based company that values innovation, Smartpark is a natural fit for us.”

“Smartpark was created to foster the development of Manitoba's knowledge-based industry,” said Curt Vossen, Smartpark board member. “Smartpark has attracted 18 innovative companies and organizations to this community of high-tech and biotech research and development. We are pleased to welcome yet another anchor partner.”

Construction will be completed by fall 2005 and the multi-tenant building will house as many as six companies. Areas that Smartpark focuses on include information technology and wireless communication, advanced manufacturing and materials, functional foods and nutraceuticals and ag-biotech.