Madison biohealth facility announces expansion, help from state tax credits

The global biohealth company Catalent is expanding its Madison facility in a $45 million project expected to create about 200 new jobs.

The company announced the plan Tuesday, saying the project is partially complete. The expansion is being funded with the help of state tax credits, according to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. Those tax credits will be contingent upon the number of jobs created.

The expansion will allow the company better support drug development and trials.  

“We’ve got more capacity. We’re increasing our capabilities. We’ve got a growing team of talented people,” said David McErlane, Catalent’s group president of biologics, speaking to staff at the facility in far west Madison. “And that helps us think about how we can support and develop and deliver more and more of these next generation therapies.”

The Madison office serves as one arm of a global company that contracts with  biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. The company has assisted with 50 percent of FDA approvals over the past ten years, according to their website. The expanded Madison facility includes more labs to help Catalent’s customers develop and manufacture new therapies, company leadership said. 

“We’re finding new solutions to treat complex diseases, new ways to manufacture them that improve patient access and really help and change the standards of care for many, many patients all around the world,” McErlane said.

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is supporting Catalent’s Madison expansion with up to $2.05 million in performance-based tax credits, part of a program meant to promote business development in the state.

“Our biohealth industry is a huge, huge economic driver,” Gov. Tony Evers told Catalent staff. “And over the last six years, more biohealth businesses are choosing to locate in Wisconsin.” 

The state’s authorization of the tax credits, in partnership with WEDC, will help keep the momentum going, he said. 

“As governor, I remain committed to continuing supporting leaders and innovators like Catalent to ensure we remain the global front-runners of innovation we are today,” Evers said.