How an animal health leader’s $130M investment in KC will boost its fight against canine parovirus

ELWOOD, Kansas — A $130 million investment from global animal health leader Elanco is a testament to Kansas’ pro-business economy, said Laura Kelly, lauding this week’s expansion announcement and its plans to bring 70 new jobs to the region’s animal health corridor over the next two years.

“Elanco’s expansion not only is creating new job opportunities but adding to the unparalleled economic momentum that has made Kansas the best state in the nation to live, work and raise a family,” said Gov. Kelly, D-Kansas.

Elanco Animal Health Inc. currently manufactures and ships its Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody (CPMA) from a site in Elwood — about 55 minutes north of Kansas City — which will become the flagship location for Elanco’s future monoclonal antibody manufacturing after the massive expansion initiative.

“Expanding the capabilities at our Elwood manufacturing site is a critical step toward executing the most exciting pipeline in Elanco’s 70-year history,” said Grace McArdle, executive vice president for manufacturing and quality at Elanco. 

“In partnership with our Elanco R&D 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,” she added. “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.”

Elanco’s CPMA 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 capacity needed to support Elanco’s growth in monoclonal antibody (mAb) innovation.

With an R&D strategy centered around consistent flow of high-impact innovation in key markets, Elanco is one of only two companies in the animal health industry offering monoclonals on the market today.

Officials speak during a ceremonial groundbreaking event at Elanco Animal Health’s Elwood, Kansas, facility; photo courtesy of Kansas City Area Development Council

The facility expansion positions Elanco to optimally serve customer demands, improving lead times for project development and commercialization, the company said.

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

“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,” said Lt. Gov. David Toland, D-Kansas, who also serves as the state’s secretary of commerce. “Elanco is an excellent example of the top-notch employers the Kelly-Toland Administration is committed to partnering with as we grow the state economy.”

The Kansas City region is located in the heart of the Animal Health Corridor, encompassing 56 percent of global animal health, diagnostics and pet food sales. Representing more than 300 animal health companies in the region, the KC Animal Health Corridor, an affiliate of the Kansas City Area Development Council, offers an unparalleled ecosystem for growth and collaboration.

“Elanco Animal Health’s investment in its Kansas facility furthers its commitment of innovation from the center of the global animal health industry,” said Kimberly Young, president of the KC Animal Health Corridor.