Using genetic engineering, the Vitreoscilla (bacterial) hemoglobin gene (vgb) was integrated stably into the chromosomes of and Burkholderia cepacia. Similar to previous results, the wild type VHb improved growth for Burkholderia cepacia and degradation of benzoic acid under both normal and low aeration conditions. The stable expression of VHb enhanced these parameters. The results demonstrate the possibility that the positive effects provided by VHb may be augmented by protein engineering.