Royal DSM, an international life sciences and materials science-based company based in the Netherlands, has plans to invest nearly €100m in new R&D facilities at Delft and Sittard-Geleen, the Netherlands, over the next two years.

The company’s investment in Delft involves a new laboratory for biotechnological research as well as concerns DSM contribution to the recently formed consortium for the Bioprocess Pilot Facility (BPF) for bio-research.

The Delft-based DSM Biotechnology Center will support the innovation processes of DSM Food Specialties, DSM Sinochem Pharmaceuticals, DSM Biobased Products & Services and DSM BioSolutions, foodingredientsfirst.com reported.

The laboratory will accommodate the R&D processes of the DSM Biotechnology Center, offering working space for 285 people.

DSM Food Specialties president Hans-Christian said that the company has chosen an aggressive growth strategy in which innovation plays a key role.

"The addition of a new state-of-the-art laboratory to our DSM Biotechnology Center not only enables us to leverage and reinforce the competences there, but also makes us an even more attractive employer for biotechnological talent," he added.

On the other hand, the Sittard-Geleen investment will lead to the establishment of a new materials sciences research building on the Chemelot Campus.

The laboratories in Delft and Sittard-Geleen, which are scheduled to open in 2014, involve nearly 700 researchers working on new solutions to major global challenges in various fields such as food & health.

According to DSM, the new R&D facilities will closely collaborate with knowledge institutes, government bodies and other companies.

The company believes that the investments will show a major impact on the fortifying the knowledge-based economy of the Netherlands.

In May 2012, Royal DSM signed a definitive agreement with Clearwater Fine Foods and funds managed by Richardson Capital to acquire Ocean Nutrition Canada for a total enterprise value of C$540m ($530.5m).

Ocean Nutrition Canada is a supplier of fish-oil derived Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) to the dietary supplement and food and beverage markets.