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International Animal Health Company Selects KC for New Subsidiary Ireland-based IdentiGEN brings research operation to Lawrence LAWRENCE, Kan., - July 26, 2006 - IdentiGEN Ltd. will form a new U.S. subsidiary in Lawrence, Kan., called IdentiGEN North America Inc. IndentiGEN is a leading provider of DNA-based products for the agriculture and food industries in Europe. The new company in Lawrence will focus on the North American commercialization of IndentiGEN’s TraceBack® DNA tracking system. TraceBack can trace the source of meat products throughout the entire chain of production – from the animal of origin to the producer, meat packer, food retailer and ultimately the consumer’s plate. “My past experience in the human DNA identity and genetic variability testing business has given me a first-hand appreciation of the power of ‘nature’s bar code’, said Don Marvin, president and CEO of the new company. TraceBack offers accuracy, simplicity and practicality that will enhance the safety and quality of our food supply and provide tangible benefits to the producers, sellers and consumers of meat products.” TraceBack was developed at Trinity University in Dublin, Ireland, one of the most respected research universities in the world. The new U.S. operation will start with about a dozen employees. IdentiGEN expects to double its employment in the next 18 to 24 months and have a couple hundred within in four to five years. The positions will include a mix of scientists, technicians, sales specialists and others. Animal Health Impact The concentration of animal health-related companies and talented university researchers in the metro were key factors in attracting IdentiGEN to Lawrence said Marvin. Proximity to meat packers and other potential customers was also a plus. “IdentiGEN's decision to locate in the Kansas City region demonstrates the assets that our metro offers to animal health companies competing in global markets,” said Bob Marcusse, president and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council. About IdentiGEN IdentiGEN Ltd. is a privately-held, venture-backed company. It is a leading provider of DNA-based products for the agriculture and food industries. The company was founded as a spin-out from the Institute of Genetics at Trinity College. The company’s core area of expertise, genetic identification, is being deployed in a variety of ways to enhance consumer confidence in the safety and quality of food products. The TraceBack system has been successfully commercialized in Ireland and other European countries since 2000. Partners Involved The Kansas City Area Development Council was proud to play a role with the following organizations in assisting IdentiGEN with its expansion to Lawrence:
# # # The Kansas City Area Development Council, celebrating 29 years of economic development success, works to attract business and industry to the 18-county, two-state region. More than 250 corporate and 50 community investor partners support the council. Please visit www.thinkKC.com for additional information about the KCADC and its business recruitment efforts. |
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