American Type Culture Collection plans to spend $54.7 million to expand its bioresource campus in Manassas, creating 75 new jobs that focus on global health.
The company said the centralized facility will acquire, manufacture, characterize, authenticate, store, and distribute key reagents. It will add laboratory space as part of the expansion.
“Currently, biomanufacturing facilities similar to our new suite are primarily focused on research rather than supply chain logistics and the operational infrastructure needed to launch an immediate response to a potential threat,” said ATCC chairman and CEO Raymond H. Cypess, in a news release.
“As we continue to play a critical role in the federal government’s pandemic preparedness and readiness, this facility will allow us to scale production of biomaterials quickly and because of its location, distribute them both nationally and globally during a health crisis,” he said.
ATC works on scientific research to address the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and spread of disease.
The private, nonprofit global biological resource center first came to Prince William County in 1998. Its headquarters and bioproduction facility are in Virginia, while its Food and Drug Administration–registered biorepository facility and research and development center are in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
Virginia competed with Maryland for this latest expansion, which is expected to be completed in 2026. To secure the jobs, Gov. Glenn Youngkin approved an $800,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Prince William County.
“This new state-of-the-art biomanufacturing facility will enable ATCC to expand its resources to meet current and future global health and national security needs and we are grateful to have received this grant to continue expanding our presence in Virginia as a top-rated life science employer,” Cypess said.
ATCC will add the new positions over three years and said it will utilize the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program to expedite recruitment and training.
Youngkin and other officials participated in a ceremonial groundbreaking at Innovation Park on Thursday.
“ATCC is a long-term employer in Prince William County, and this investment and expansion will further the organization’s mission to provide scientists with biomaterials and resources to conduct crucial research,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick, in a news release. “Life sciences is a booming sector in the Commonwealth thanks to partners like ATCC, and we look forward to their continued growth in Virginia.”
Prince William Board of County Supervisors Deshundra Jefferson said American Type Culture Collection has grown over its 26 years in Innovation Park. “By further expanding their biomanufacturing capabilities, ATCC is enhancing our region’s bioscience infrastructure and is a testament to Prince William County’s commitment to fostering a community where innovation truly thrives,” Jefferson said.
Feature image of groundbreaking courtesy ATCC
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