Rogers Biotech Company Pel-Freez Expands Operations, Adds 31 New Jobs
October 13, 2021ROGERS, Ark. (October 13, 2021) – Pel-Freez Biologicals, a key supplier to the world’s largest vaccine and diagnostic companies, today announced that it is expanding its facility in Rogers, Ark., creating 31 new jobs in the biotech industry.
“Due to Pel-Freez’s unique position at the intersection of agriculture and the global life science supply chain, there are many reasons why Northwest Arkansas is an ideal location to continue grow our company,” said Pel-Freez President and CEO Dr. Brian Bonk.
Pel-Freez began as a backyard rabbit farm in 1911 and entered the biological business in the 1950s to meet the growing needs of researchers. The company produces high-quality raw materials and intermediates for biological research, including serums, plasma, blood fractions, tissues, and antibodies from a variety of species. They are the only large-scale producer of U.S.-origin rabbit serum and plasma, as well as several other specialized life science reagents used in the diagnostic and vaccine industry.
“Pel-Freez is a unique company in the global life science supply chain, and it has been great to watch this homegrown company make new strides in the industry,” Gov. Asa Hutchinson said. “It is exactly the type of company we want to recruit here, and I am thrilled that they continue to invest in Arkansas.”
Today, the company provides critical biological materials for over 1000 customers annually in over 40 countries. Customers include some of the nation’s most well-known research institutions as well as several Fortune 500 pharmaceutical and diagnostic companies.
“Pel-Freez is just one more example of how the business climate and workforce in Northwest Arkansas are ideally suited to propel biotech companies to success,” said Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston. “Pel-Freez has a long and rich history in the state, and I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for this exciting company.”
Pel-Freez was a third-generation family-owned business until it was acquired in 2020 by a private investment group, who plans to build upon company’s legacy by investing in R&D, production and marketing. The company cited support from state and local leaders such as the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, the Rogers-Lowell Chamber of Commerce, and the Northwest Arkansas Council among the reasons for its continued growth in Rogers.
“I am proud of the continued impact of Pel-Freez in our local economy and as it reaches further,” Rogers Mayor Greg Hines said. “This company has provided employment for countless Rogers residents over 110 years of operation. It is an honor to have this resilient, adaptable leader in biological business keeping residence in our backyard.”
This year marks Pel-Freez’s 110-year anniversary. To commemorate the milestone, the Rogers Historical Museum will be hosting an exhibit honoring the company beginning October 15.
For more information on Pel-Freez, visit https://www.pel-freez.com/
