Governor Glenn Youngkin joined executives from American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick, and members of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors (BOCS) today to break ground on ATCC’s new state-of-the-art biosafety laboratory.
During the event, Governor Youngkin announced a $800,000 Commonwealth Opportunity Fund grant aimed at supporting the growth of ATCC’s operations, solidifying Virginia’s role as a leader in the life sciences industry.
The new biomanufacturing facility, which will be located within Innovation Park, is the second expansion in the last five years for the company. The facility represents a significant investment in the region’s biotechnology ecosystem. ATCC, a global leader in biological materials and research, will expand its capacity for cutting-edge research and production, creating high-paying jobs and fostering innovation.
“ATCC is a world-class resource for scientists performing vital research to solve important health issues,” said Governor Youngkin. “They are a crucial component to Virginia’s thriving life sciences industry, and I am thrilled to see them invest in Virginia again.”
The non-profit plans to invest $54.6 million to build the facility and create 75 new jobs, with an average annual salary of $92,933. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked with Prince William County to secure the project for Virginia. Support for ATCC’s job creation will be provided through the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program.
"For almost 100 years, ATCC has played an important role in delivering credible biological materials that advance scientific research and address the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and spread of disease,” said Dr. Raymond H. Cypess, chairman and CEO of ATCC. "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.”
BOCS Chair Deshundra Jefferson highlighted the significance of the investment for the local economy: "In 1998, ATCC was one of the first private companies to set up their headquarters in Innovation Park. It’s a privilege to witness their continued growth 26 years later. By further expanding their biomanufacturing capabilities, ATCC is enhancing our region's bioscience infrastructure and are a testament to Prince William County's commitment to fostering a community where innovation truly thrives.”
Recent global health challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, make the expansion of ATCC’s laboratory space take on even greater importance. The facility will enhance the nation’s ability to respond swiftly to future pandemics, support global health initiatives, and safeguard national security by ensuring access to critical biological materials. As a trusted partner in the life sciences field, ATCC will be at the forefront of research into emerging infectious diseases, helping to protect public health and mitigate the impact of future global health crises.
"Ensuring our national security begins at the local level, where the health and safety of our communities are paramount,” said Supervisor Tom Gordy, Brentsville District. "ATCC has played a pivotal role in responding to global health emergencies, from COVID-19 to the Zika virus. With their new biomanufacturing facility, we are now better equipped than ever to produce and distribute biological standards and reagents at a large scale, reinforcing our community's contributions to national security and global health resilience.”
With construction now underway, the facility is expected to be operational by 2026, further establishing Innovation Park as a major hub for biotechnology and research in Virginia.