Alberici Constructors Inc. of St. Louis was named the construction manager to build a $55 million soybean seed production facility in New Madrid, Mo., for DuPont business Pioneer Hi-Bred.

Pioneer held a groundbreaking ceremony May 17 for the new facility, to be located on 129 acres of land in New Madrid County.

The new plant is expected to begin operations in fall 2011 and to employ about 50 people when fully operational. The project includes a warehouse facility and production space as well as an administration building.