WOODLAND, CA - There’s nothing quite like a fresh start. Sakata America Holding Company, a subsidiary of Sakata Seed Corporation, has moved its headquarters. The company has proudly announced its new state-of-the-art facility is located on 219 acres of prime agricultural land in Yolo County, California. This move marks a significant milestone in Sakata’s commitment to advancing agricultural innovation and sustainability.
“The expansion of the Woodland Innovation Center is an exciting and necessary step for the future of Sakata,” shared Dave Armstrong, President and Chief Executive Officer. “As we broaden our leadership position in an expanding portfolio of crops, it’s imperative that we support our growing business and deepen our roots in one of the world’s most dynamic agriculture regions—the ‘Silicon Valley of seed.’ Our headquarters relocation to Woodland reflects our commitment to California’s vital agriculture and seed sectors, and the investment enables us to consolidate R&D and multiple other functions on a single, state-of-the-art campus.”
A press release detailed the development of the Woodland Innovation Center and how it has been strategically planned in four Phases. Phases 1 and 2, completed in November 2018, established a research head house, greenhouses for key Sakata crops, a farm shop, a washery building, and a LEED-certified office building.
The recently completed Phases 3 and 4, which began in November 2022, include:
- A 9,000 square foot state-of-the-art lab building
- An 18,000-square-foot office building constructed in alignment with LEED sustainability
standards - A solar energy plant covering all electricity needs for the entire site
- A 32,000-square-foot warehouse facility featuring cutting-edge milling and processing
equipment, with a proprietary seed mill design exclusive to Sakata - A horticulturally curated campus designed to promote the collaboration and well-being
of employees
The new headquarters will support the integration of five research stations, multiple seed processing sites, labs and administration offices throughout North America, and foster global collaboration among Sakata’s breeding teams. The move to Woodland will also strengthen Sakata’s ties with the University of California at Davis, enhancing collaborative opportunities with the world-renowned agricultural science Institution, the release added.
The grand opening celebration brought together 200 guests, including Japan’s Ambassador to the United States, Shigeo Yamada, Hiroshi Sakata, President of Sakata Seed Corporation, California State Assembly and Senate members, local dignitaries, key business partners, SAH Executive Management, employees, and media.
Congrats on the beautiful new space, from ANUK!