Animal health company announces $895M expansion in De Soto

DE SOTO, Kan. (KCTV) - Merck Animal Health is betting big on De Soto, announcing an $895 million expansion Thursday that marks one of the largest economic development projects in Kansas history.

The investment will expand Merck’s biologics manufacturing facility and research and development labs. The company says it will also expand its capacity to fill and freeze-dry large-molecule vaccines. City leaders say the move will not only boost animal health innovation but also strengthen the local economy.

As De Soto city leaders explain, the city is quickly becoming a destination for major industry, from the Panasonic EV battery plant to now Merck’s growing footprint.

“Obviously the name Panasonic had a lot of cachet with it,” said Tim Holverson, president of the De Soto Chamber of Commerce. “And Merck Animal Health is right there with it.”

The company has created a name for itself doing research on disease prevention and treatment for animals. Holverson said the expansion isn’t just about physical growth, it’s about opportunity.

“It will create some great job opportunities for kids coming out of school in Kansas, that we can keep more of our own at home, if you will,” he said.

City leaders say Merck has already played a key role in De Soto’s economy over the last 20 years and that this expansion only deepens that relationship.

“This investment, them as a corporate partner, they’re the exact type of partner we want in our community,” said De Soto City Administrator Mike Brungardt. “They’re the type of employer that we want our people to have jobs there.”

The project is expected to create 2,500 construction jobs over the next several years, with 200 full time roles added when manufacturing operations begin in 2030. Over the next several years, as developers make progress on building and construction, the city says it’s looking forward to seeing the payoff.

“We know that’ll equate, translate directly to quality of life benefits for the people in our community and our region,” Brungardt said.

In a statement to KCTV5, KC Animal Health Corridor president Kimberly Young said, “This new, major investment reinforces Kansas City’s position as a global hub for animal health and a destination for industry-leading talent and innovation.”

Copyright 2025 KCTV. All rights reserved.