Lexington agritech company to expand operations, add 70 new jobs
A Lexington-based animal safety company that started with diagnostic test kits to trace drugs in thoroughbreds and greyhounds will soon expand, Gov. Andy Beshear’s office announced Monday.
Neogen will soon expand its animal safety operations at a manufacturing facility on Mercer Road. The company’s $6 million investment will include new equipment and building improvements. Neogen is expected to add 40 jobs initially and will add an additional 30 jobs in coming years, company officials said.
Neogen has operated in Kentucky since locating in Lexington in 1992 when it acquired ELISA Technologies. ELISA was formed in 1990 through a license agreement with the University of Kentucky to develop diagnostic test kits to detect abused drugs in horses and racing dogs.
Neogen has more than 220 employees in Lexington and Mt. Sterling.
The company recently announced it will also make improvements at its Mt. Sterling location, creating 79 jobs there investing $10 million.
Neogen, founded in 1982, is headquartered in Lansing, Mich. Its animal safety division manufactures diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, supplements, biologics, wound care, veterinary instruments, rodenticides, disinfectants and insecticides.
The company could receive up to $800,000 in tax incentives if it hits key performance measures under an agreement approved by the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority.
The company must investment $6 million and create and maintain 72 full-time jobs across 10 years with the average hourly wage of $23.34, which includes benefits.
“Neogen has thrived in Lexington,” Mayor Linda Gorton said. “The company provides high- quality jobs to our highly educated workforce. With our vibrant agriculture sector, and agriculture education and research at the University of Kentucky, Lexington is a natural home for agribusinesses.”
