2007 Embassy Events
Senator Burr of North Carolina visits Novozymes
Bagsværd, Copenhagen
August 6, 2007
On August 6, Ambassador Cain and Senator Richard Burr (NC, R) visited Novozymes A/S at their headquarter located in Bagsvaerd outside Copenhagen. Novozymes is the biotech-based world leader in enzymes and microorganisms. The company is regarded as a frontrunner in the alternative energy field and they have already come a long way in developing state-of-the-art enzyme solutions that convert cellulose into simple sugars, which in turn can be fermented into fuel ethanol. The North American operations are headquartered in Senator Burr and Ambassador Cain's home state of North Carolina.
CEO Steen Riisgaard and his management team welcomed Senator Burr and Ambassador Cain to the company, provided a presentation and discussion in the executive meeting room to the group and then conducted a tour of the plant. They were able to see first-hand, how scientists analyze bacteria and fungus samples from around the world to find microorganisms that produce huge amounts of enzymes. They also witnessed advanced three dimensional computer modeling of DNA sequences that enables the researchers to make new enzymes.
Novozymes employs approximately 4,500 people worldwide, 20 percent of whom are in research and development. About 11% of revenues go into research.