Source: Boehringer Ingelheim news release
Boehringer Ingelheim announced the grand opening of its newly expanded research and development facility in Athens, Georgia. As the largest animal health company in Georgia, this Boehringer state-of-the-art facility reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and improving the health and well-being of animals.
With a capital investment of $66.1 million and 63 new jobs created, this expansion includes the addition of 63,000 square feet of administrative space and over 28,000 square feet of laboratory space in Athens-Clarke County. This expansion sets the stage for groundbreaking discoveries and serves as a beacon of creativity across all disease areas and modalities, shaping the future of animal health.
“Our new research and development facility in Athens marks a significant milestone in our dedication to animal health innovation,” said Peter Ploeger, U.S. Animal Health Country Managing Director at Boehringer Ingelheim. “Each year, we invest nearly 12 percent of our sales into researching and developing products that will advance the health of animals, especially our pets, for generations to come.”
Boehringer’s expanded Athens facility represents the company’s largest R&D site in the U.S. and its third largest globally. This sustainably focused facility houses the company’s U.S. Global Innovation Hub. It is also Boehringer’s largest pet vaccine production facility for the U.S. and a key manufacturing site for poultry and wildlife vaccines.
“Today’s expansion represents opportunities to retain Georgia’s well-educated, diverse talent,” highlighted Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Boehringer Ingelheim’s presence in Georgia strengthens the local economy and is particularly well-suited for our statewide ecosystem for life sciences, research, and innovation.”
The decision to expand in Athens-Clarke County was influenced by multiple factors, including proximity to USDA’s U.S. National Poultry Research Center and the University of Georgia, as well as a newly created partnership with Athens-Clarke County to support their Career Academy and initiate the biomanufacturing pathway. These community partnerships offer unique opportunities for strategic collaboration with talented individuals, supporting education and innovation in animal health.
