ATCC, has been awarded a grant from Virginia’s Commonwealth’s Development Opportunity Fund (COF) to support the development of a new biomanufacturing facility at its headquarters in Manassas. The grant, administered by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, will help fund the facility’s construction and workforce training. Over the next three years, ATCC plans to add 75 jobs and will work with the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program to recruit and train new staff.
The new biomanufacturing suite will be focused on producing and distributing biological materials, particularly in response to public health threats like pandemics. It’s designed to increase laboratory space and provide a reliable U.S.-based source of critical biological reagents used in global health efforts.
ATCC CEO Raymond H. Cypess said the new facility will fill a gap in current biomanufacturing capabilities. “Many existing facilities are focused on research, but our goal is to build the infrastructure needed to respond quickly to health emergencies,” Cypess said. “This new suite will help us scale up production and ensure that essential biomaterials are available when and where they’re needed.”
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin attended the groundbreaking ceremony on September 12 and announced the COF grant. The award is part of the state’s initiative to encourage companies to expand in Virginia. ATCC’s growth fits into Prince William County’s larger plan to build a thriving life sciences community that brings jobs and innovation to the area.
Joseph Leonelli, senior vice president of ATCC Federal Solutions, highlighted the company’s deep ties to the region. “We’ve been supporting federal agencies focused on global health for over 50 years, and this new facility strengthens our commitment to the local community. It will also create new opportunities for residents to work in the life sciences,” Leonelli said.
The expansion will bolster ATCC’s role in pandemic preparedness, ensuring that vital biological materials can be produced and distributed efficiently during future health crises.