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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Lacgene Technologies Establishes U.S. Headquarters In St. Louis, Missouri

12/23/2015
Lacgene Technologies is establishing its U.S. headquarters at the Helix Center Biotech Incubator in St. Louis, Missouri. The U.S. business will operate under the name Blue Orb Solutions.

The India-based AgTech company is focused on providing innovative, natural, agricultural products and solutions using genetics, chemical processes and nanotechnology. AgTech is a key Missouri strength, encompassing all of modern agriculture including plant science, animal health, big data and modern, sustainable farming practices.

“Missouri is strong in AgTech, ideally located in the center of the U.S. and well connected to other states, and Dr. Chetan Balar, one of the founders of Lacgene was very impressed by the facilities at the Danforth Plant Science Center and BRDG Park,” said Umesh Vekaria, Head of International Business Development for Lacgene. “The Missouri team was incredible to work with, and showed us why we should be in Missouri. Being an R&D company, we wanted our U.S. home to be in the most aggressive state for AgTech.”

“Lacgene’s decision to locate their U.S. headquarters in St. Louis strengthens Missouri’s position as a global hub of agriculture, technology and innovation,” said Governor Jay Nixon. “This is a proud day for Missouri and a testament to our efforts to create high-paying jobs and attract new investments from around the world. We are excited that Lacgene is investing and creating jobs in our state, and we look forward to their continued growth.”

Lacgene will create 30 new jobs in St. Louis and will open its headquarters in January 2016, a production facility in Spring 2016 and begin full manufacturing and distribution from the St. Louis region in 2017.

The Missouri Department of Economic Development, the Missouri Partnership and the St. Louis Regional Chamber initially connected with the company through the 2015 SelectUSA Investment Summit. Site selection assistance and other essential business services were provided in order to bring the company to Missouri, local economic officials said.

“Missouri’s AgTech companies and organizations are leading the way with innovative technology and research that is transforming agriculture,” said Steve Johnson, CEO of the Missouri Partnership. “The coordination between all our organizations, including the initial contact at the SelectUSA Summit, is an example of the statewide commitment to attracting companies and investment that exists in Missouri.”

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