BUSINESS - Zoetis to Expand Manufacturing Capabilities

Zoetis Inc. plans to expand capacity at its Global Manufacturing and Supply facility in Kalamazoo, Mich.

The company will install two new production lines and related operations to manufacture oral tablet and chewable medicines for companion animals.

Having more chewable medications on the market will make any pet owner who has wrestled with a stubborn cat or canine very happy.

Zoetis expects to add up to 45 manufacturing positions in the next three years as a result of the expansion and will spent about $64.5 million on the project.   

“Kalamazoo is home to one of the largest and most important manufacturing sites in Zoetis’ Global Manufacturing and Supply network,” Matthew Everhart, Vice President, Pharmaceutical and Aseptic Operations, Global Manufacturing and Supply at Zoetis, said in a release.

“Locating manufacturing here gives us continued access to a highly skilled and diverse workforce which is essential to managing a global animal health company.”

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) awarded Zoetis a Business Development Program incentive grant for their choice to build in Michigan rather than another state.

“Today’s investment announcement by Zoetis will foster a long-term positive impact on western Michigan’s economy and bring new jobs to the area. Numerous public and private partners deserve thanks for helping make this project happen, and we are pleased to support that collaboration,” said MEDC Chief Executive Officer Steve Arwood.

Zoetis currently employs approximately 300 people at its manufacturing facilities in Kalamazoo and Portage, including 265 dedicated directly to manufacturing.  

Renovations to the 524,000-square foot facility in Kalamazoo will expand production of Simparica(R) (sarolaner) Chewables, the oral flea and tick medication for dogs, which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in February 2016.

The company expects to begin renovations later this month and to complete the project by early 2019.

This expansion isn’t a first for a company that continues to grow steadily.

Zoetis increased their manufacturing capabilities at their Nebraska facility in 2014.

The company was recently recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of America’s best employers for a second year in a row and made news with their acquisition of Nexvet Biopharma.