Based in South Africa, the company produces a microbial supplement that prevents rumen acidosis, a condition that can afflict cattle during the transition from grasses to feedlots. Widely used in South Africa to increase animal health and yields, the technology is pending FDA approval. Once approved, commercial production will begin in Manhattan to serve the North American Market
“The Megastarter relocation to Manhattan represents an early, but significant win in our community's new strategy to attract and create high-pay, knowledge-based jobs,” said Manhattan Chamber of Commerce President Lyle Butler. “More wins will come over the years as we build on the phenomenal research capabilities at K-State and the unique collaborative recruitment efforts of K-State, the City, Chamber, NISTAC, K-State Research Foundation, and K-State Foundation.”
The company plans to create more than a dozen jobs paying over $50,000 annually while partnering with K-State on research. “Megastarter will establish direct collaborative benefit to K-State research while at the same time creating world-class jobs in Manhattan supported by global sales,” Butler said.
In the near term Megastarter will utilize lab space in the Manhattan/K-State Innovation Center located in the K-State Research Park for production. “We are pleased that the KBA will give the City of Manhattan a $1.025 Million investment coupled with the City's previously approved $425,000 to build out and finish the 5,000 square feet of unfinished space at the Manhattan/K-State Innovation Center,” said Manhattan City Manager Ron Fehr.
The KBA also approved $300,000 for Megastarter to help with relocation expenses. Kansas Bioscience Authority President and CEO Tom Thornton, said, “This is another fantastic addition to the thriving KC Animal Health Corridor. We are proud to welcome Megastarter to Kansas and thrilled to see once again the magnetic effect created by our state’s national leadership in this vibrant bioscience sector.”
The Manhattan/K-State Innovation Center is a business/technology incubator facility. “The partnership of K-State and Manhattan to produce broader benefit to the university and community is paying dividends,” said National Institute for Strategic Technology Acquisition and Commercialization President and CEO Kent Glasscock.
The Kansas Department of Commerce also assisted in the project with an incentive package that includes a forgivable loan as well as training and tax credits.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce
Lyle Butler t. 1 785 776 8829 lyle@manhattan.org
NISTAC Chad Jackson t. 1 785 532 3907 cjackson@k-state.edu