Scorpion Biological Services will develop a 500,000 square foot biomanufacturing facility in Manhattan. The $650 million business investment project will create 500 new, high-paying jobs within the next seven years. The average annual employee salary has been projected at $76,000.
Scorpion is a subsidiary of Heat Biologics, Inc. The facility will support development of vaccines that enable an accelerated response to global biological threats. They will also provide commercial level development, manufacturing and bioanalytical testing services at stage for biopharmaceutical products on a fee-for-service basis to the global health industry.
Jeff Wolf, Chief Executive Officer, said the announcement is part of their vision to build an ecosystem of companies that can move drugs to those who need them as quickly and efficiently as possible. Wolf said their product starts with discovery at a plant in New Jersey, research and development in North Carolina. clinical scale production at a Scorpion facility in San Antonio, Texas and will end with commercial scale manufacturing in Manhattan. "We will develop rapid and efficient smart drug manufacturing."
Wolf said that idea will drive the operation in Manhattan. "When we visited Kansas after reviewing proposals from many states, the Sunflower State quickly rose to the top of the list." Wolf also stated, "Kansas values are our values." That coupled with a supportive business environment, support from political leadership, opportunities for workforce and talent development and the existing biodefense ecosystem in Manhattan, it was "a strong yes to the Sunflower state. "
Wolf stated his company believes the facility will be transformative to Manhattan, Kansas and America. He noted that the company plans to directly more than 500 employees with approximately 700 additional jobs being created indirectly to support the operation.
Governor Kelly called this project the most significant economic development project to date during her administration. She was among multiple speakers during the unveiling of Scorpion at the Manhattan Conference Center. Other speakers ranged from U.S. Senator Jerry Moran to KSU President Richard Linton along with representatives from the City of Manhattan and Pottawatomie County to the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce.
Wolf stated, "We are going to get this moving as fast as possible. It's really important to get this facility up to protect our men and women in armed services. We're going to work as fast as we can."
At the close of the announcement Wells signed a letter announcing Scorpion's intent to build in Manhattan. Wells and Governor Kelly posed for photos holding that letter.
Officials noted this project was a partnership between the Kansas Department of Commerce, Kansas State University, Kansas State University Innovation Partners, the City of Manhattan, the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, Pottawatomie County, Pottawatomie County Economic Development Corporation, Manhattan Area Technical College, Evergy, CRB and Realty Trust Group.