Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear congratulated Neogen Corp., a manufacturer of animal and food safety products, on its new facility in Montgomery County, a $9.8 million investment creating 79 full-time jobs and furthering the Governor’s initiative to grow Kentucky’s agritech sector.
“We are determined to provide a better future for Kentuckians, and the growth of our state’s agritech sector is at the center of that effort,” Gov. Beshear said. “Neogen has maintained a presence in the commonwealth for nearly 30 years, and the company’s growth in Kentucky indicates our successful partnership will continue well into the future. Congratulations to Neogen on this latest investment and to the Mount Sterling community for the addition of nearly 80 new jobs that will benefit the local workforce and their families.”
Neogen has operated in Kentucky since locating in Lexington in 1992 with the acquisition of ELISA Technologies. ELISA was formed in 1990 through a license agreement with the University of Kentucky to develop diagnostic test kits to detect abused and therapeutic drugs in racehorses and greyhounds. Lexington serves as Neogen’s Animal Safety headquarters, which has grown to employ 170 residents across two Lexington facilities.
In 2021, an affiliate of Phoenix Investors purchased a 267,000-square-foot facility on Owingsville Road, formerly home to Regal Beloit. Shortly after acquiring the property, Phoenix entered into a long-term lease with Neogen for the facility. The company’s investment includes building improvements and new equipment. Work on the project was completed in recent weeks.
In 2020, Neogen’s Lexington operations stepped up in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Neogen increased manufacturing and distribution of critically needed biosecurity products, including disinfectants, cleaners and hand sanitizers while working closely with government agencies around the world to quickly approve products for use.
“As Neogen continues to grow both domestically and internationally, it is extremely important that we have facilities that are able to quickly ship products to our customers around the world,” said Doug Jones, Neogen’s chief operating officer. “This expansion of our Kentucky distribution centers will be a significant step in supporting our domestic and global growth plans. Neogen is excited to work with the Mt. Sterling community to continue improving the lives of people and animals around the world, providing solutions in a timely manner.”
“Neogen’s commitment to the facility represents a tremendous outcome both for Phoenix and for the Mt. Sterling community,” said Phoenix Managing Director Anthony Crivello. “We are thrilled to be part of bringing such a high-quality company to Mt. Sterling.”
Neogen, founded in 1982, is headquartered in Lansing, Michigan. Its animal safety division manufactures and markets a variety of animal health products, including diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, supplements, biologics, wound care, veterinary instruments, rodenticides, disinfectants and insecticides. The company employs approximately 1,700 people worldwide, with nine locations in the U.S. and 15 international facilities.
Phoenix Investors is a leading expert in the acquisition, renovation and releasing of former manufacturing facilities in the United States. The revitalization of facilities throughout the continental United States leads to positively transforming communities and restarting the economic engine in those communities. Phoenix’s affiliate companies hold equity interests in a portfolio of industrial properties totaling approximately 61 million square feet spanning 29 states. In Kentucky, Phoenix owns approximately 2 million square feet of industrial real estate.
The new location adds to Kentucky’s thriving food, beverage and agritech sector, which includes more than 200 agribusiness-related facilities and employs over 20,000 people statewide. Administration-to-date, new location and expansion projects within the industry are expected to create nearly 4,700 full-time jobs with over $4.5 billion in new investments.
Montgomery County Judge/Executive Chris Haddix welcomed new industry to the area.
“Montgomery County is thrilled by Neogen locating in our area,” said Judge Haddix. “The fact that this Fortune’s 100 fastest-growing company, publicly traded, has chosen to expand and investment in Montgomery County speaks to the community culture and vibrancy we are building here. We are excited for these high-paying jobs coming to our community.”
Mt. Sterling Mayor Al Botts said the project is part of the community’s strive toward growth.
“The City of Mt. Sterling is very excited to hear of Neogen’s plans to expand their operations in Montgomery County. Neogen is a proud company with a good track record of providing quality jobs and opportunities for their workforce. We are excited that they have chosen to locate, invest and grow here with us!”
Mt. Sterling/Montgomery County Industrial Authority Executive Director Jason Rainey supported the project as well.
“We are grateful that Neogen has chosen Montgomery County as its home to expand its Kentucky footprint. Their investment and job creation here will be a huge asset for our community.” said Rainey. “We look forward to supporting this company every step of the way as it brings its luminous vision to reality in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky.”
Neogen’s investment and planned job creation furthers recent economic momentum in the commonwealth, as the state builds back stronger from the effects of the pandemic.