Bayer CropScience plans to invest $29.6 million in the expansion of its North American and global Seeds headquarters in Research Triangle Park (RTP), North Carolina.

The new facility will accommodate the company's seed trait research, providing dedicated and isolated greenhouse space for insect testing, consolidated space for nematode trait research, and the capability for plant disease research.

Work on the greenhouse is scheduled to begin in late summer, with completion scheduled for late 2015. This will be the second greenhouse Bayer has built at its American and global Seeds headquarters in the past two years. The first was opened in July 2012 to support company sustainability and productivity efforts focused on soy, corn and other broadacre crop research.

The latest investment will replace two older greenhouses, which have been in operation for more than 30 years.

When completed, Bayer said the new facility will include several sustainable and environmentally friendly features including a rainwater collection system for greenhouse plant irrigation; low flow, sensored plumbing fixtures; occupant sensored lighting; daylight harvesting; MERV 13 filters to improve indoor air quality; an HVAC energy management system; and reflective roofing to reduce the building's heat intake.

In April, the German group opened its new $2.1 million, North American Bee Care Center, in the RTP area. Other investments include $16.1 million in renovations and remodeling of the Development North America facility; $33 million in renovations to the North American headquarters, scheduled to be completed in 2015; and the purchase of 70 acres of land adjacent to the North American and global Seeds headquarters to accommodate the new greenhouse project and other projects to support future growth.

Bayer CropScience currently employs 700 people based in the greater Research Triangle Park area.