In 1977, Novo responded to increased demands that its enzymes be produced in the USA. The company purchased a 187-acre site in Franklin County, North Carolina, and began construction of Novo Biochemical Industries, Inc. in December 1977. The first product was produced in February 1979, with 50 employees on the payroll.
In 1994, a $120 million expansion tripled the production capacity of the enzyme plant by increasing fermentation and recovery capacity and building a new granulation tower and warehouse. During this expansion, the Employee Services and Utilities buildings were also added.
In 1995, the Business Operations Building was completed. With the new building came the relocation of the Sales, Marketing and Technical Services functions from Danbury, Connecticut.
In 2000, Novo Nordisk demerged into two separate companies. The healthcare business retained the name Novo Nordisk, while the enzyme business name changed to Novozymes. This site is known as Novozymes North America, Inc. with the initials NZNA.
Over the years, farmland purchases have increased the total acreage owned by Novozymes to approximately 1,600 acres. This land is used to provide an adequate area for the irrigation of process wastewater.