Animal Health
Why Kansas City
Kansas City is the heart of American agriculture and the global hub of the animal health industry. Business, academic, scientific and government leaders across the region have united through the KC Animal Health Corridor to foster a collaborative environment that drives growth and innovation in the animal health and nutrition industry.
In addition to KC’s strengths in agriculture and animal health, the broader life-sciences industry is a vital, multi-billion-dollar sector of Kansas City’s regional economy.
Animal Health Advantage
The KC Animal Health Corridor, anchored by Manhattan, KS and Columbia, MO, is the world’s largest hub of animal health assets, featuring global leaders, startups, research institutions, and service providers driving innovation in the industry.
GROWING
Cluster of Cell and Gene Therapy
ESTABLISHED
Biological Manufacturing Market
The Power of the KC Animal Health Corridor
Largest concentration of animal health companies in the world
Top-tier regional universities offering animal health-related programs
Robust, skilled workforce with deep expertise in animal health and biosciences
Research dollars go further to bring new and innovative therapeutics to market
World-class bioengineering hub designing and delivering advanced, sustainable facilities
Collaborative ecosystem and strategic partnerships
Animal Health Asset Overview
Take a deep dive into the comprehensive benefits and assets of the KC Animal Health Corridor.
Select Industry Presence
Key Logistics
International Market
Leading global hub with growing imports and exports, supported by freight forwarders and customs brokers specialized in all aspects of international shipping
Distribution Hub
Two-day or less ground shipping to 90% of the U.S. population — an ideal base for national distribution.
Rail Connectivity
The largest rail center in the U.S. by tonnage, with four Class 1 rail lines, providing direct, efficient freight access across North America.
Flight Access
Nonstop flights under three hours to most major U.S. cities enable faster business travel and cargo movement.
Cold Storage
A reliable network of GMP-compliant CDMOs and FDA-certified storage facilities to handle temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals and biologics.
Freight Infrastructure
Four intermodal parks provide multimodal freight movement and scalable solutions for complex logistics needs.
Recent Success
Merck Animal Health Expands Operations with $895 Million Investment in De Soto, Kansas
One of the most significant economic development projects in Kansas history and the largest to date for Merck Animal Health, the 200,000-square-foot expansion includes an $860 million investment in the site’s existing manufacturing facility and a $35 million investment in its research and development laboratories.
Keep Exploring Animal Health
Workforce + Education
The KC region is committed to building a workforce tailored for Animal Health industry needs, see what that looks like.
Research + Innovation
See how future of animal health is being fueled by innovators and world-class research institutions right here in the Corridor.
Let’s Build the Future of Animal Health — Together
To learn more about Kansas City’s animal health industry, connect with our team.
Kimberly Young
President
KC Animal Health Corridor
816.654.3617
Emily McVey
Vice President
KC Animal Health Corridor
816.522.6168
Site Selection
Data & Resources
KCADC Newsroom
KCADC Events
About KCADC
© 2025 KCADC. All rights reserved.