A key supplier to the world’s largest vaccine and diagnostic companies, Pel-Freez Biologicals is expanding its Research-Production Complex in Rogers, Arkansas. The project is expected to create 31 new jobs.

The company provides critical biological materials for over 1000 customers annually in over 40 countries. Customers include some of the nation’s most well-known research institutions as well as several Fortune 500 pharmaceutical and diagnostic companies.

“Due to Pel-Freez’s unique position at the intersection of agriculture and the global life science supply chain, there are many reasons why Northwest Arkansas is an ideal location to continue growing our company,” said Pel-Freez President and CEO Dr. Brian Bonk.

Pel-Freez began as a backyard rabbit farm in 1911 and entered the biological business in the 1950s to meet the growing needs of researchers. The company produces high-quality raw materials and intermediates for biological research, including serums, plasma, blood fractions, tissues, and antibodies from a variety of species. They are the only large-scale producer of U.S.-origin rabbit serum and plasma, as well as several other specialized life science reagents used in the diagnostic and vaccine industry.

“Pel-Freez is just one more example of how the business climate and workforce in Northwest Arkansas are ideally suited to propel biotech companies to success,” said Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston. “Pel-Freez has a long and rich history in the state, and I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for this exciting company.”