KANSAS CITY – Merck Animal Health today announced a major expansion at its operations in De Soto, Kansas.
Merck says the planned $895-million expansion of its biologics facility is one of the most significant economic development projects in Kansas history and the largest to date for Merck Animal Health.
The 200,000-square-foot expansion includes an $860 million investment in the site’s existing manufacturing facility and a $35 million investment in its research and development laboratories.
“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,” said Richard DeLuca, president of Merck Animal Health.
Site preparation and facility design will begin immediately, with 2,500 construction jobs expected to support site development. The expansion will create more than 200 new full-time roles when manufacturing operations begin in 2030.
“Merck has been a valued part of the De Soto community for over 20 years, and this $895 million expansion is a remarkable vote of confidence in our city’s future” said De Soto Mayor Rick Walker.
Merck’s De Soto campus is located within the KC Animal Health Corridor — the world’s largest concentration of animal health companies, home to more than 300 businesses representing 56% of global animal health, diagnostics and pet food sales.