Expansion plans at Hormel Institute - KXLT - Fox 47 Rochester MN News, Weather and Sports

AUSTIN, Minn. (FOX 47) -- Officials from China joined Governor Mark Dayton in Austin on Wednesday to celebrate a big expansion at the Hormel Institute.

With expansion plans underway, Hormel developed a new partnership with China's Henan Province.

State and local officials welcomed the Chinese delegation which included the Governor of Henan.

This relationship between a world recognized leader in medical research and one of China's largest provinces is expected to bring many economic benefits to Austin.

Support from the Chinese will help double the size of the Institute, creating more construction jobs now and over 100 scientific research jobs after its completion

"This is a very important moment because Hormel Institute set up a new collaboration with China, and basically with the Chinese government we will have a new research institute expansion," said Dr. Zigang Dong, Hormel Institute Executive Director. "That means we're creating more jobs in both countries in the U.S. and in Austin, Minnesota as well."

At the meeting, officials from both delegations expressed interest in sharing discoveries and research from Hormel's soon to be high-tech Institute.

Officials say this partnership development will also help to continue Hormel's mission to treat and prevent cancer.