SHREVEPORT, La. — Akston has opened a new manufacturing facility in Caddo Parish as part of a $7 million investment aimed at expanding its U.S. production capabilities and supporting growth in Louisiana’s life sciences sector.
The project is expected to create 69 direct new jobs over five years, with an average annual salary of nearly $100,000, or about 76 percent above the average wage in Caddo Parish. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the expansion will generate an additional 93 indirect jobs, for a total of 162 potential new job opportunities in the Northwest Region.
“Akston’s decision to expand in Louisiana reinforces the state’s position at the forefront of advanced life sciences, as innovation continues to translate into new industries and new opportunities,” LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said. “With our economy continuing to diversify, investments like this give emerging industries the staying power needed to grow, compete and create high-wage jobs here in Louisiana.”
The 31,000-square-foot facility is located on nearly 2.5 acres at BRF’s InterTech Park in Shreveport. It includes cleanrooms for biologics production, quality control laboratories, fill-finish manufacturing capabilities, cold storage, warehousing and administrative space. The site will support commercial manufacturing operations and the company’s U.S. production of USDA-regulated animal health therapies.
“This new facility is a major milestone in our plan to commercialize our USDA-regulated protein therapeutics aimed at addressing unmet needs in pet health,” Akston Co-founder and CEO Todd Zion, Ph.D., said. “It was critical for us to expand our presence right here in the U.S., and we are grateful for the support of the State of Louisiana, BRF and the City of Shreveport.”
Founded in Beverly, Massachusetts, Akston develops protein-based therapies for companion animals using a vertically integrated model spanning research, development and manufacturing. The company operates GMP biologics facilities in Massachusetts for FDA-regulated biologics. The new Shreveport site extends its footprint and supports commercial-scale manufacturing of USDA-regulated therapeutics.
Akston began occupying the Shreveport facility in July 2025. Build-out and commissioning activities are ongoing, with commercial manufacturing operations expected to begin in the coming months.
To secure the project, Louisiana offered a competitive incentives package that includes participation in the state’s High Impact Jobs program.