INDIANAPOLIS — Dow AgroSciences announces plans for a multi-year expansion of its global headquarters in Indianapolis, with investment of more than $340 million and the addition of more than 550 scientific and commercial jobs over the next five years.

The first phase in the multi-year expansion plan includes the construction of a 175,000 square foot research and development building, as well as a 14,000-square-foot greenhouse on the company’s corporate campus. These facilities are part of a global growth plan for Dow AgroSciences’ research efforts as it develops and commercializes new product solutions for customers in agricultural and related market segments. More than 550 new jobs will be added over the next five years at the headquarters location in both scientific and commercial roles.

“Dow AgroSciences is positioning itself for growth,” said Dave Morris, Commercial Leader for the Pest Management business. “This investment to expand our research infrastructure and capabilities will help us continue to be able to deliver innovation that adds real value to the markets we serve.”

In 2009, the company announced numerous plans for expanding its research capacity, including the signing of a 15-year lease on an 80,000-square-foot research facility adjacent to its corporate headquarters in Indianapolis and the establishment of a significant research program at the Purdue Research Park in West Lafayette, Ind.  Numerous collaborations and research milestones have also been announced.