KC Animal Health Corridor fosters industry growth and innovation
Kansas City is making its mark as the global hub of animal health. The KC Animal Health Corridor is home to the largest concentration of animal health companies in the world, and companies in the corridor now bring in more than 56 percent of total animal health, diagnostics and pet food sales worldwide.
Kimberly Young, KC Animal Health Corridor President, kicking of Global Animal Health Week at the KC Animal Health press conference on Friday, August 25, 2017.
“From dog treats and flea and tick products to research used to detect diseases in food animal populations, thousands of animal health products are produced right here in the heartland,” said Kimberly Young, KC Animal Health Corridor President. “We’re not flyover country anymore. We’re fly-to country for animal health, and companies here are doing work that affects our global food supply and our family pets.”
Companies with a strategic location in the KC Animal Health Corridor employ more than 20-thousand people and are working to solve global issues, like the spread of disease in animals and world hunger. Since the Corridor’s inception in 2006, more than 50 new companies have relocated to the region and many existing companies continue to invest and expand. This growth has created thousands of new jobs, more than $100 million in new payroll and more than $900 million in new capital investment in the region.
“The Kansas City area is unique in its ability to help support the establishment and growth of animal health businesses,” Young said. “The Corridor is much more than a physical location. It is a place where the global industry can come together as one to solve problems, speak with one voice, and build the next generation of talent.”
Craig Wallace, North America Zone Director, Ceva Animal Health and 2017 Corridor Chair, at the KC Animal Health press conference on Friday, August 25, 2017.
“Kansas City can fill the gap between when you start a company and when you sell or grow into a big company,” said Karthik Ramachandran, VP and Co-Founder of Likarda, a market leader in cell-based therapy for pets, headquartered in Kansas City. “The KC Animal Health Corridor has all the contract research organizations, experienced law firms, marketing firms, and the industry support and expertise that is essential for a company designing animal products.”
At a news conference on Friday, Kansas City Mayor Sly James designated KC Animal Health Corridor week in Kansas City, and animal health industry leaders launched into the 12th year of Corridor homecoming events.
Starting on August 25, the animal health industry converges in Kansas City for a five-day gathering that begins with CVC, a major continuing education convention for veterinary professionals, and culminates with an exclusive Investment Forum hosted by the KC Animal Health Corridor. The Investment Forum is one of the world’s only opportunities for early-and mid-stage animal health entrepreneurs to present their business plans to potential investors, giving venture capital funds, investment firms and potential partners an inside look at the newest technology and innovations.
“We are so proud of the regional partnership that exists among the economic development, civic, corporate, academic and governmental leadership in the KC Animal Health Corridor,” Young said. “We are widely recognized as the strongest and most admired team in the global animal health industry.”
