Akston Opens $7 Million Animal Health Biologics Manufacturing Facility in Shreveport, Louisiana

Akston, a biotechnology company focused on animal health, has opened a new manufacturing facility in Shreveport, Louisiana, as part of a $7 million investment in Caddo Parish, Louisiana Economic Development announced on February 26. The company expects to create 69 direct new jobs over five years with an average annual salary of nearly $100,000.

31,000 square feet at InterTech Park

The 31,000-square-foot facility at BRF’s InterTech Park includes production, storage, warehousing and administrative space. It will support commercial manufacturing of Akston’s USDA-regulated protein therapeutics for pets. Akston began occupying the building in July 2025; build-out and commissioning are ongoing, with commercial manufacturing to begin in the coming months.

162 total job opportunities

LED estimates the project will result in an additional 93 indirect new jobs, for a total of 162 potential new job opportunities in the Northwest Region. The state’s incentive package includes participation in its High Impact Jobs program. Founded in Beverly, Massachusetts, Akston already runs GMP biologics operations in Massachusetts.

Todd Zion, Ph.D., Co-founder and CEO, Akston said:

“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.”

Susan B. Bourgeois, Secretary, Louisiana Economic Development said:

“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.”