ROUNDUP: Gov. Laura Kelly Announces Largest Economic Development Project in Administration History
Topeka, KS – This week, Governor Laura Kelly announced a $650 million business investment project that will bring 500 high-paying jobs to Manhattan over the next seven years. Scorpion Biological Services, a subsidiary of Heat Biologics, Inc., is commencing a planned development of a new 500,000 square foot biomanufacturing facility in Kansas. The facility will support the development of vaccines that enable an accelerated response to global biological threats.
Here’s what others are saying about Governor Kelly’s historic economic achievement:
- Kansas Reflector: Kansas lands deal for construction of $650 million, 500-job biomanufacturing facility
“… Manhattan and Kansas State beat out the other prominent bidder for the commercial plant — Iowa City and the University of Iowa.
Gov. Laura Kelly said during the announcement program in Manhattan attended by about 250 people that Manhattan and Kansas was well-positioned to support Scorpion Biological’s strategy to broaden domestic production of cell- and gene-based medical countermeasures.
Wolf said the combination of a public research university and private-sector partners was important to the site selection decision. His business model is to emphasize use of American-manufactured equipment and materials and the procurement of U.S.-made biomanufacturing substances. He expects relationships with Kansas State and the local technical college to include formation of academic programs and training of students for work in biological sciences.”
“We are showing again and again that we have what it takes to attract highly innovative and highly-technical businesses to Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “It’s absolutely critical that we, as a nation, increase our capacity for domestic production of these types of vaccines and we are extremely proud to see this work happening here in Kansas.”
Gov. Kelly says the combination of a world-class public research university, innovative private sector partners, and critical national security led Scorpion to choose Manhattan for its new facility.Kelly added that the skill and strength of the Kansas workforce will support the success of this project with Kansas’ brightest minds and hard workers joining the efforts.”
- Manhattan Mercury: Biotech company to hire 500 for $650M Manhattan project
“Halverson touted Manhattan’s education — Kansas State University and Manhattan Area Technical College — as part of the reason for selecting Manhattan. He said the company also plans to work with Fort Riley soldiers transitioning out of the military. “We picked Manhattan because there isn’t a better place to find the best and brightest,” he said.
Jason Smith, president and CEO of Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, said area officials created the Greater Manhattan Economic Partnership for days like this. He said Scorpion’s arrival isn’t “happenstance or luck.”’ “Five years ago, local leaders came together to form a regional economic development partnership with the goal of achieving success like the one we are celebrating today,” he said.”
“State and company officials said selecting Kansas was based on the state’s central location, the research expertise at Kansas State University and national security infrastructure. Manhattan is the home of the soon-to-open National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility designed to protect against threats from animal diseases. K-State has the Biosecurity Research Institute that focuses on infectious diseases. Wolf also cited the quality of life in Manhattan as part of the appeal. “We saw no better home for our employees,” Wolf said.”
- Kansas City Business Journal: Manhattan, Kansas, chosen for $650M biomanufacturing plant by Scorpion Biological Services
“Within the next seven years, Scorpion’s facility, which will be used for large molecule and biologics manufacturing, is expected to employ more than 500 people, with average annual starting salaries in excess of $75,000.”
“‘The combination of a world-class public research university, innovative private sector partners and critical national security led Scorpion to choose Manhattan for its new facility,’ the release said. Scorpion will join a soon-coming national bio-defense laboratory that is also being constructed in Manhattan and Kansas State University.”
“Today’s announcement is a major milestone for our company, for Scorpion, for Manhattan and for the nation, enhancing our domestic production of vital biologics to protect Americans from deadly disease. We appreciate the tremendous bipartisan support for this initiative, and we are extremely grateful to the State of Kansas and their officials for their hard work in bringing this to fruition.”
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