Merck Animal Health unveils US$895M expansion in Kansas to boost vaccine manufacturing

USA – Merck Animal Health has announced a monumental US$895 million investment to expand its manufacturing and research facilities in De Soto, Kansas, marking one of the largest economic development projects in the state’s history. 

The move, jointly revealed with Governor Laura Kelly, is set to significantly boost the company’s capacity to produce vaccines and biologics for animal health.

The capital investment will be made on Merck’s existing property in De Soto and includes a 200,000-square-foot expansion of its manufacturing plant, with US$860 million allocated for increased production capabilities and another US$35 million earmarked for enhancing research and development laboratories.

The new facility will expand filling and freeze-drying capacity for large molecule vaccines and biologic products, solidifying De Soto as a Center of Excellence within Merck’s global manufacturing network. 

The site preparation and facility design will commence immediately, creating approximately 2,500 construction jobs. Commercial operations are expected to begin by 2030 and will generate over 200 full-time positions.

“Our De Soto, Kan., 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. 

He added that this investment is designed to increase Merck Animal Health’s ability to meet the growing customer demand for its portfolio of animal biologics products and ensure the company remains at the forefront of innovation in the animal health sector.

The project highlights Merck Animal Health’s commitment to the U.S. market, where it continues to invest heavily in manufacturing and research capabilities. 

Since the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Merck has funnelled more than US$12 billion into domestic operations, with plans to invest over US$9 billion more by 2028.

Governor Laura Kelly praised the partnership, calling it a major step forward for Kansas. “Public-private partnerships that lead to major global projects … are occurring because people believe in Kansas. They believe in who we are, what we are doing and the direction we have taken,” she said. 

Echoing that sentiment, Kansas Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland added, “ The opportunities and ripple effects of having almost US$1 billion surge into the local economy will have far-reaching and long-lasting reverberations across the entire state. Historic investments such as these truly benefit all Kansans, both now and into the future.”

In addition to the expansion, Merck Animal Health is ramping up research initiatives. The upgraded R&D laboratories will focus on novel parasiticides and therapeutics, reinforcing Merck’s global leadership in animal health innovation.

Merck’s poultry vaccine gains European approval 

In related news, the European Commission recently approved Merck’s NOBILIS MULTRIVA™ REOm vaccine for chickens, designed to protect avian reovirus (ARV) genotypes 1 and 4, with cross-protection for additional strains. 

“Ensuring effective prevention and control of avian reovirus is crucial for successful poultry production,” said Maxim Nakhodko, Global Poultry Business Unit Lead at Merck Animal Health. 

“The approval of NOBILIS MULTRIVA™ REOm represents a valuable innovation for our customers, offering protection against one of the most significant viral pathogens affecting laying and breeding chickens.”

Globally, Merck Animal Health operates in over 50 countries and distributes products to 150 markets. The company offers a broad portfolio of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines, health management services, and technology solutions.

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