HERMISTON (AP) — Pioneer Hi-Bred plans to build a $15 million plant in Hermiston and start operating it next year.

The plant is expected to bring 14 family-wage jobs to the area, plus additional seasonal positions and contracts with local farmers.

Iowa-based Pioneer is the world’s second largest seed company. The Hermiston facility will be the company’s first in Oregon. It will produce parent seed corn and pre-commercial hybrid seed corn.

Pioneer officials say Hermiston is a great location because of its relative isolation and proximity to other agricultural communities. The company chose Hermiston over locations in California, Colorado and Iowa.