Global ophthalmic pharmaceutical and medical technology company, Glaukos, to locate multimillion-dollar facility in Cummings Research Park
Published on December 19, 2024
The City of Huntsville approved a development agreement with Glaukos Corporation to build a multimillion-dollar research, development and manufacturing facility in Cummings Research Park (CRP). The multi-year project carries an $82 million capital expenditure and will bring 154 full-time jobs to the region by 2030. The facility will be built on 25 acres at the corner of Mark Smith Drive and Explorer Boulevard, at the north end of HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. The agreement includes an option for 15 additional acres for future expansion.
Glaukos is a worldwide pharmaceutical and medical technology leader in ophthalmology focused on developing and commercializing novel therapies for the treatment of glaucoma, corneal disorders and retinal diseases. The company’s mission is to transform vision by pioneering novel, dropless platforms that can meaningfully advance the standard of care and improve outcomes for patients suffering from sight-threatening chronic eye diseases. Glaukos headquarters are in Aliso Viejo, California, with additional locations in San Clemente, California, and Burlington, Massachusetts as well as other regional office spaces internationally.
“In planning our next expansion phase, Glaukos evaluated over 100 municipalities and we are pleased to choose Huntsville,” said Matt Young, SVP Operations, Glaukos. “The City of Huntsville has a highly educated and skilled workforce and a stable and diversified economy in a business-friendly environment. Huntsville has recently and consistently ranked highly in surveys of the best places to live in the U.S. As a leader in designing and delivering novel ophthalmic products, Glaukos believes a location in the Cummings Research Park aligns with our strong innovation values.”
The addition of Glaukos to Huntsville’s biotech ecosystem further cements the region’s leadership role in human health discoveries and products that revolutionize the world. For nearly two decades, Huntsville has worked to deepen and expand its biotech sector by aligning with community strengths in related fields.
With Glaukos’ decision to locate adjacent to HudsonAlpha, a world-class research institute leading the way in improving human health, Huntsville and CRP have put a collective stake in the ground for future biotech growth. Glaukos site selection team noted the community’s collective science and technology strengths strongly factored in their decision. However, the vitality of Huntsville’s collaborative community environment and robust quality of life put the city over the top.
“Glaukos’ investment in Huntsville speaks to our continued success in being a community of choice for biotech research and manufacturing,” said Mayor Tommy Battle. “CRP offers the desired environment for companies that want to capitalize on our assets and achieve long-term success in advancing medical solutions for society.”
“The Madison County Commission is proud to welcome Glaukos to Cummings Research Park,” said Chairman Mac McCutcheon. “It is because of the strong partnerships among the City, County, CRP, HudsonAlpha, and the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber that encourage companies such as Glaukos to locate here and thrive in our community.”
HudsonAlpha’s research institute and more than 50 associate companies use genomic research and development to improve human health, and well-being, and plant and agricultural sustainability through research, testing, manufacturing and education.
“We welcome Glaukos to the HudsonAlpha ecosystem, to Cummings Research Park, to Huntsville and to Alabama,” said Neil Lamb, President of HudsonAlpha. “We’re excited to have Glaukos in our community and are thankful to have wonderful partners in the City of Huntsville and the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber on this project.”
Cummings Research Park (CRP) is the second-largest research park in the United States and fourth largest in the world. It is home to more than 300 companies, more than 25,000 employees, and 12,500 students.
“CRP is truly one of the world’s leading science and technology parks, where companies come to be successful because of the businesses, collaboration, and ultimately, because we thrive in Huntsville. We welcome Glaukos as they join Huntsville’s mix of local and international high-tech enterprises,” said Erin Koshut, the Park’s Executive Director.
Site preparation for Glaukos’ facility is expected to start next year.
