Merck plans $895M expansion for its De Soto biologics site; leaders tout strength of KC animal health corridor

By Tommy Felts | May 8, 2025

DE SOTO, Kan. — A biopharmaceutical giant plans to invest $895 million to expand its biologics facility in Kansas, notching another win as leaders position Kansas City as a hub for digital and animal health innovation. The 200,000-square-foot expansion project includes an $860 million investment in Merck Animal Health’s existing manufacturing site west of the…

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Aussie livestock tech company tags Johnson County for its new North American HQ

By Tommy Felts | January 29, 2025

An Australian leader in direct-to-satellite animal monitoring technology announced its plans Wednesday to establish North American headquarters at the Aspiria Campus in Overland Park — bringing a half-dozen jobs and paving the way for more tech innovators from Australia to land in the local market. “The Kansas City region was the clear choice,” said David Smith,…

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Agtech startup officially moves its corral to KC with global HQ’s relocation from Oregon

By Tommy Felts | December 7, 2022

Vytelle’s new global headquarters is joining a region with the largest concentration of industry professionals devoted to the health, well-being, and genetic progress of animals, said Kerryann Kocher, announcing the startup’s official move to Lenexa.  “We’re excited to put down roots in the Midwest and call Kansas City home to our global headquarters,” said Kocher,…

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Plug and Play: Global accelerator could unify animal health corridor, grow Topeka’s startup ecosystem

By Tommy Felts | September 12, 2019

Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. This series is possible thanks to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, which leads a collaborative, nationwide effort to identify and remove large and small barriers to new business creation. [divide]…

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