Novus International Inc. is focusing on research, new product development and innovation at its new global headquarters in Missouri.
“America’s heartland has been home to our global headquarters since our founding in 1991. It was important for us to stay in Missouri and remain centrally located to our customers throughout the U.S.,” said Dan Meagher, Novus president and CEO. “While the new building is perfect for today’s Novus, the improvements we’ve made in the new lab at HQ are helping us plan for the animal agriculture industry of tomorrow.”
Located at 17988 Edison Ave., in a suburb of St. Louis, the already existing building was redesigned with the future in mind.
“The new space is more focused on R&D and efficiency to help further our commitment to innovation,” said Paula Fisher, manager of analytical services and R&D at Novus. “It’s a space that truly provides us the opportunity to develop and formulate intelligent, next-generation solutions to support the ever-changing landscape of our customers in the animal agriculture industry.”
From the new lab, the Novus team performs organic chemistry and biochemistry, analyzes feed formulations and raw feed ingredients, as well as process and manufacturing chemistry and microbiology.
Deana Hancock, Ph.D., director of global applied research and technology scouting, said the science and analysis conducted at Novus headquarters supports the customers and the wider animal agriculture industry.
“Our open innovation approach helps us address new customer challenges by looking beyond our own capabilities,” she said. “We find and review developing ideas and products along with technologies already in development to identify collaborative opportunities. We also partner with industry leaders in the field and at research centers around the world to explore up-and-coming technologies even outside of the feed additive sector. Through this approach, we can develop products and services for multi-species and different regions.”
Hancock said the in-house lab allows Novus to work in lockstep with external partners to achieve the company’s goal of creating products that address animal health, well-being, and performance through intelligent nutrition.
Along with innovation in the lab, the new office is also a reflection of today’s workspace environment.
“The former headquarters served us well, but today’s work environment requires flexibility to enhance the employee experience,” said Global Director of Human Resources Evelyn Mendes. “Since 2020, Novus has fostered greater collaboration among employees with hybrid offices that are more suitable for on-site, partially remote and fully remote work.”
Along with the labs, the building houses members of the company’s executive leadership team, legal and regulatory, finance, human resources, operations, supply chain, and logistics. Hot desks throughout the building offer workspaces for employees to use as needed and there’s a variety of space to support internal collaboration and meetings with customers.
“Novus embraced the hybrid work model prior to 2020, empowering our employees with greater autonomy to do their best work wherever they are most productive. We also recognized the fiscal and environmental benefits of optimizing the usage of our office space,” Mendes said.
Novus has also filed for a one-time rebate from energy company Ameren for energy-conscientious lighting, HVAC system and laboratory ventilation system.
The project was executed by Gray Design Group in partnership with HERA laboratory planners to design the lab space. Both companies are located in St. Louis.
