TOPEKA - Governor Laura Kelly announced today that Elanco Animal Health Inc., a global leader in animal health, is investing $130 million to expand and renovate its manufacturing facility in Elwood. The expansion in Doniphan County is expected to create approximately 70 new jobs over the next two years.

“The continued investment by Elanco speaks to the work my administration is doing to attract and retain businesses,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Elanco’s expansion is not only creating new jobs but is adding to the unparalleled economic momentum that has made Kansas the best state in the nation to live, work, and raise a family.”

Elanco is located within the Animal Health Corridor, which is the single largest concentration of businesses working to improve animal health worldwide. These businesses produce everything from veterinary pharmaceuticals to specialized food for livestock and pets.

Elanco’s Elwood site currently manufactures and ships its Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody and will be the flagship location for Elanco’s future monoclonal antibody manufacturing. This product is the first and only USDA conditionally approved targeted treatment for parvovirus, which affects an estimated 330,000 dogs annually in the U.S. The expansion will add the needed capacity to support Elanco’s growth in monoclonal antibody innovation.

“Expanding the capabilities at our Elwood manufacturing site is a critical step toward executing the most exciting pipeline in Elanco’s 70-year history,” Elanco Manufacturing and Quality Executive Vice President Grace McArdle said. “In partnership with our Elanco research and development colleagues, this site plays a key role in delivering solutions that are transforming the way veterinarians and pet owners care for the world’s animals. We appreciate the commitment of the State of Kansas, Doniphan County, and the City of Elwood to help pets live longer, healthier, more active lives.”

This project will help enhance the local economy through increased tax revenue and serve as a stable long-term employer in Elwood. The company will be better positioned to optimally serve customer demands with improved project development and commercialization lead times.

“Sitting in the heart of the Animal Health Corridor, Kansas is a powerhouse in this critical sector – attracting companies from across the nation and around the world,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Elanco is an excellent example of the top-notch employers the Kelly-Toland administration is committed to partnering with as we grow the state’s economy.”

Design-build firm Burns & McDonnell, headquartered in Kansas City, is leading the expansion project as the primary provider of integrated design and construction services.