Global life sciences company to expand in Kansas City and create more than 230 new jobs, Gov. Nixon announces

Global life sciences company to expand in Kansas City and create more than 230 new jobs, Gov. Nixon announces

On the heels of a new report showing that Missouri outpaced every other state in the nation in technology job growth last year, Gov. Jay Nixon today joined officials from Catalent Pharma Solutions, a global leader in the life sciences industry, to announce the company's expansion in Kansas City. The project includes directing over a $30 million investment in the site and is expected to create more than 230 new jobs.

"Missouri's favorable business climate and skilled workforce continue to attract new jobs to the Show-Me State," Gov. Nixon said. "Today, high-tech companies like Catalent can take their investments anywhere in the world, and it's no accident that they're choosing to expand here in Missouri. In fact, Missouri was the number one state in the nation last year in technology job growth. The new jobs and new investments in Kansas City by Catalent will build on this momentum and strengthen Missouri's position as a national leader in bioscience." 

Missouri was the fastest-growing state for technology employment in 2013, according to new analysis by Dice.com of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Missouri gained 2,700 tech positions in 2013, an increase of 8.4%, in the category of Professional and Business Services, Computer Systems design and Related Services.

"I want to thank the State of Missouri and Kansas City for partnering with us to support our growth," saidJohn Chiminski, President and Chief Executive officer of Catalent Pharma Solutions. "The state's pro-business environment, strong workforce and economic support made it an easy choice to invest in Missouri. We look forward to increasing our presence here and playing a larger role in the state's growing life sciences industry."

"I'm thrilled that Catalent is expanding in our community," said Kansas City Mayor Sly James. "The short-term economic impact of this announcement, in terms of jobs added, is tremendous. But I'm also excited about the long-term impact of Catalent's presence in Kansas City. This city is a leader in innovation and high-tech industries and I know that reputation will grow as we promote economic development wins like this one. The expansion of a global life science leader, like Catalent, in our landscape gives us an even larger stage on which to showcase our cutting-edge assets."

Catalent Pharma Solutions is the leading global provider of advanced delivery technologies and development solutions for drugs, biologics, and consumer health products.  With more than 1,000 scientists and more than 1,300 patents and applications, Catalent serves 85 of the top 100 pharmaceutical marketers and 41 of the top 50 biologic marketers. Catalent has nearly 30 facilities across five continents. The company's Kansas City facility, designated as a center of excellence for Accelerated Development Programs, provides a wide range of fully integrated solutions with a focus on product development and analysis and clinical supply services. Work performed in Kansas City will drive the development and supply of medicines that have potential to improve or save patients' lives. 

Since bioscience was identified by his Strategic Initiative for Economic Growth as a top target for next-generation job creation, Gov. Nixon has made attracting investments in this field a top priority of his administration. In just the past year, the state has attracted numerous investments from expanding bioscience companies including Monsanto Company in Chesterfield, CoFactor Genomics in St. Louis, PharmaMedica Research Inc. in St. Charles, and Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals in Hazelwood.

Today's announcement is just the latest in a series of positive developments that demonstrate the continued strength of Kansas City's economy. Last month alone, Cerner Corp. confirmed plans to create up to 15,000 new jobs as part of a $4.3 billion redevelopment of the former Bannister Mall site; Kansas City International Airport welcomed Aviation Technical Services and 500 new jobs to its overhaul base; and Ford Motor Company hired the 1000th worker to build the Ford Transit van in Claycomo. Last week, international law firm Sedgwick LLP announced plans to open a new administration center in downtown Kansas City and create 100 jobs over the next five years.

To assist Catalent with its expansion, the Department of Economic Development has offered a strategic economic incentive package that the company can receive if it meets strict job creation and investment criteria.