An Ames antibody manufacturer has announced plans for a $5 million dollar expansion in rural Boone County.

Mg Biologics, a manufacturer of plasma and antibody products, will expand its property at 2366 270th Street, where Boone County overlaps city limits.

The project will enhance the company’s manufacturing, warehouse and research footprint by erecting two new facilities on 80 acres of land. The expansion will also add eight technical positions with a minimum starting wage of $31 per hour, according to a Boone County Economic Growth Corporation press release.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority authorized state funding support for Mg Biologics on June 21. The board approved $225,000 of incentives through Iowa’s High-Quality Jobs Program.

The Boone County Supervisors also approved a local match and resolution of state funds on June 12, supporting the project with tax abatement incentives on a 10-year schedule.

The schedule initiates an 80% abatement for the first year. The amount will decrease by 10% each year for five years: 40% for the fifth and sixth years, 30% for the seventh and eighth years, and 20% for the ninth and 10th years.

More: Ames Animal Shelter given $40,000 grant to help prevent pet diseases

Using antibodies to treat, prevent diseases

Mg Biologics was founded in 1999 and celebrates its 25th anniversary in September. The company manufactures products for equine, canine, feline, bovine and porcine species.

Mg products are focused on benefiting animals’ health, from neonatal to critical care needs. Their products include plasma, IgG, antibody products, and antivenom for canine and equine.

The company also makes and manufactures a Rattler Antivenom that neutralizes venom from rattlesnakes, copperheads and water moccasins. The product has undergone several studies and is licensed by the USDA.

“We believe (and research shows) that antibodies (and antivenoms) are beneficial in reducing the duration and severity of a disease or in arresting the disease entirely,” a statement says on Mg Biologics’ website.

More: Old Burger King restaurant on Lincoln Way may become Dunkin’ coffee shop

More: Only hospital program in Iowa provides free summer meals to Collins-Maxwell kids

Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at CBrocker@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Local plasma manufacturer plans $5 million Boone County expansion