$895M investment in De Soto: Merck Animal Health to expand biologics facility
DE SOTO, Kan. (KCTV) - Another major economic project is in the works for west Johnson County, Kansas.
Merck Animal Health announced on Thursday morning that it plans to invest $895 million in the expansion of its biologics facility in De Soto.
The biopharmaceutical company will expand its facility to 200,000 square feet and make an $860 million investment in the site’s existing manufacturing facility. Merck will also invest $35 million into its research and development laboratories, the company stated.
The announcement will also bring jobs to De Soto. Merck estimated that 2,500 construction jobs are expected to support site development, and the expansion will create more than 200 new full-time roles when manufacturing operations begin in 2030.
“Our De Soto manufacturing facility is strategically located in the heart of the Animal Health Corridor. This region is renowned for its concentration of animal health companies, fostering an unparalleled ecosystem for innovation, collaboration and industry leadership,” merck Animal Health president Richard DeLuca said. “This investment in our site is designed to increase Merck Animal Health’s ability to meet the growing customer demand for its portfolio of animal biologics products and ensure the company remains at the forefront of innovation in the animal health sector. This initiative also reflects our dedication to advancing animal health and our ongoing investment in the communities where we operate.”
The project includes a major expansion of Merck’s research and development laboratories, further strengthening the company’s global leadership in parasiticide and therapeutics development, Merck stated.
It will also expand filling and freeze dryer capacity for large-molecule vaccines and biologic products for Merck Animal Health.
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