2000 — Westvaco Corporation, International Paper Company, Fletcher Challenge and Genesis Research and Development in New Zealand agree to combine their significant research expertise to create a world class research organization with over 50 years of combined tree improvement experience. Seeing the future of biotechnology in forestry, the international companies consolidate their best and brightest research scientists in Summerville, S.C., at ArborGen. Along with staff, the consolidation brought under one roof the world’s leading germplasm stock from the following companies: Union Camp, Champion, International Paper, Mead, Westvaco, Federal and Hammermill.

2002 — With a strong scientific and commercial background in biotechnology, Dr. Barbara Wells is named Chief Executive Officer in 2002. ArborGen also announced Summerville, S.C., would be its international headquarters.

The first growth gene licenses are secured for ArborGen.

2004 — ArborGen Varietal testing services are formed. The Brazil office of ArborGen opens in Campinas.

2005 — The first field trial approval of altered lignin occurs in Brazil.

The first biotech line selection field trials for Short Rotation Loblolly and Freeze Tolerant Eucalyptus occur.

2006 — The first Varieties are sold by ArborGen.

2007 — ArborGen acquires the nurseries and orchards of its three current partners, MeadWestvaco (formerly Westvaco), Rubicon Limited (formerly a part of Fletcher Challenge) and International Paper Company. The ArborGen operation now spans more than 20 locations in the United States, New Zealand, Australia, and Brazil and includes more than 185 employees.

ArborGen is named a partner in the Department of Energy’s new $125 million bioenergy research center seeking new ways to produce bioenergy.

ArborGen and New Zealand Crown Research Institute Scion sign a partnership deal in research and development in gene discovery and molecular breeding for forest trees.

ArborGen is now the leading tree improvement company with more than 275 million in annual tree stock sales.

2008 — ArborGen requests deregulation to commercialize its Freeze Tolerant Eucalyptus. ArborGen requests permission to allow flowering of its Freeze Tolerant Eucalyptus for continued research.

2009 — ArborGen and Clemson University signed an agreement to develop purpose grown woody biomass as feedstock for the biofuels industry. ArborGen extends its relationship with New Zealand Crown Research Institute Scion.