Arkana Laboratories of Little Rock said Wednesday that it will expand its operations in the capital city, investing $30 million and adding 10,000-SF to its 95,000-SF footprint by 2024.
The company, which offers diagnostic pathological services, said it aims to create 74 jobs in the next five years, bringing total employment to about 220. It is located in the Westlake Corporate Park in Little Rock. The company, founded in 2001, purchased the building at 10810 Executive Center Drive for $15.85 million in April.
"These jobs are a win for Arkansas as we further our efforts to bring more technology and healthcare jobs to the state," Gov. Asa Hutchinson said in a news release. "Arkana aggressively recruits top talent from across the globe, and this talent will find an unparalleled quality of life here filled with opportunities once they discover the many benefits of living in Arkansas."
Arkana handles about 40% of all kidney biopsies performed in the U.S. annually, according to CEO Dr. Chris Larsen. That's about 24,000 per year, with samples coming from 44 states.
In addition to renal pathology, Arkana Laboratories provides neuropathology services and contract research. It said the expansion will "improve and transform" its space "into a cutting-edge education, research and healthcare facility." It aims to create jobs for laboratory technicians, pathologists and administrative professionals.
"The rapid growth of Arkana Laboratories for the last 20 years has been fueled by successful execution on our mission of improving patient care by advancing our understanding of disease and providing world-class diagnostics," Larsen said. "The planned job growth, infrastructure investment, and R&D efforts are all focused on pressing even more into this mission and we anticipate continued steady growth for years to come."
Larsen on Wednesday also announced $2.5 million in grants from the National Institutes of Health.
