Missouri’s thriving animal health corridor received another boost Feb. 9 as Gov. Jay Nixon announced plans by SCD Probiotics to expand its operations.

SCD will create an estimated 62 new jobs in downtown Kansas City and plans to include a capital investment of $9.1 million over the next five years.

“This expansion is a win for SCD Probiotics, a win for Missouri and a win for downtown Kansas City,” Nixon said. “This major investment by a cutting-edge company will create good jobs for Missourians and help transform a distressed neighborhood in the heart of Kansas City.”

During a visit to SCD’s manufacturing facility in downtown Kansas City, Nixon announced his administration has authorized a $1.4 million incentive package to enable the company’s expansion.

The incentive package includes resources from the state’s Enhanced Enterprise Zone program, Customized Training program, Recruitment Assistance program, Development Tax Credit program and the Missouri Technology Corporation.

SCD has also applied for a real property tax abatement through the City of Kansas City and energy efficiency incentives from Kansas City Power and Light.

As a result of these incentives, SCD will be able to continue its ongoing expansion.

On Feb. 1, the company moved its administrative headquarters into 4,800 square feet of new space at the Mainmark facility at the company’s original manufacturing site in the city’s Paseo West District. Under SCD’s current growth plans, the company could need as much as 57,000 square feet of additional space in the future.

“The state’s assistance is an important factor for SCD Probiotics to continue to be part of the Kansas City urban area, where our manufacturing facility has been operating since 2004,” said the company’s founder, Matt Wood.

SCD background

SCD was established in 1998 by Wood when he was still an undergraduate student at the University of Missouri.

Probiotics, also known as “good bacteria,” are living microorganisms with beneficial properties. Probiotics can be found in a variety of forms, such as yogurt or dietary supplements, and provide positive benefits for the human digestive system. Other forms of probiotics benefit animal’s digestive systems and also aid in the decomposition of compost piles and in lagoons.