The company is expanding its facility in Urbana.
Baltimore, Md (KM) Some new jobs are coming to Frederick County. Kite, which has a facility in Urbana, has announced plans to expand its global cell therapy supply chain operations, and that’s expected to create 100 new jobs; with 500 new full time jobs by the end of 2026.
The Maryland Department of Commerce says the company is expected to begin construction this year on a 70,000 square-foot raw materials warehouse which will be located next to its existing facility at the Urbana Corporate Center.
“As the global leader in cell therapy, it is important to continue to streamline our manufacturing processes to meet the needs of people living with difficult-to-treat blood cancers. Centralizing our raw materials storage and testing will enable us to bring control of materials in-house to increase the speed and efficiency of our global manufacturing operations so we can continue to grow to meet patient demand,” said Chris McDonald, Senior Vice President & Global Head of Technical Operations, for Kite, in a statement. . “Additionally, by locating these global operations in Maryland, we can serve both our European and California manufacturing operations in the same day. With three major airports in the area, we have increased flexibility in receiving and shipping materials, which is critical for patients who are waiting for our therapies.”
“We are thrilled that Kite chose Frederick County as the home of its newest facility,” said Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater, in a statement.. “Kite’s cutting-edge work is changing the way cancer is treated. Adding to the company’s capabilities locally helps support their global manufacturing network, and the jobs they are creating here is great news for our economy.”
As part this announcement, the Maryland Department of Commerce says it has approved a $1.;5-million condition loan through the Advantage Maryland Fund. And Kite has also qualified for Frederick County’s Commercial and Industrial Tax Credit, which is phased in over 10 years. Along with that, the project has been approved for Turbo Fast Track Permitting. The Commerce Department says the company is also eligible for for various state tax credits, including the Job Creation Tax Credit and the More Jobs for Marylanders Tax Credit. Both provide incentives to manufacturers to create new jobs in the state.
Kite announced its first expansion into Maryland in April, 2019.
Kite’s CAR T-cell therapy uses the body’s immune system to recognize, attack and destroy certain types of cancer with a one-time individualized treatment.
By Kevin McManus