U.S. Headquarters of Indian AgTech Company to Establish at Helix Center.

Indian AgTech Company Lacgene Technologies is establishing its U.S. headquarters at the Helix Center Biotech Incubator in St. Louis, Missouri, announced by The Missouri Department of Economic Development. The U.S. business will operate under the name Blue Orb Solutions.

The India-based AgTech Company is focused on providing innovative, natural, agricultural products and solutions using genetics, chemical processes and nanotechnology. AgTech is a key Missouri strength, encompassing all of modern agriculture including plant science, animal health, big data and modern, sustainable farming practices.

Gov. Jay Nixon said “Lacgene’s decision to locate their U.S. headquarters in St. Louis strengthens Missouri’s position as a global hub of agriculture, technology and innovation. This is a proud day for Missouri and a testament to our efforts to create high-paying jobs and attract new investments from around the world. We are excited that Lacgene is investing and creating jobs in our state, and we look forward to their continued growth.”

Lacgene will open its U.S. headquarters in January 2016 and will create 30 new jobs in St. Louis, a production facility in Spring 2016 and begin full manufacturing and distribution from the St. Louis region in 2017.

Head of international business development for Lacgene, Umesh Vekaria said “Missouri is strong in AgTech, ideally located in the center of the U.S. and well connected to other states, and Dr. Chetan Balar, one of the founders of Lacgene was very impressed by the facilities at the Danforth Plant Science Center and BRDG Park."

He added “The Missouri team was incredible to work with, and showed us why we should be in Missouri. Being an R&D company, we wanted our U.S. home to be in the most aggressive state for AgTech.”

President and CEO of the St. Louis Regional Chamber, Joe Reagan said “Lacgene adds to the list of globally recognized plant science companies expanding in St. Louis, and further demonstrates the strength of our rapidly growing AgTech cluster. The Chamber was pleased to be part of this project and looks forward to welcoming another world headquarters to the region.”