Grant from MT Dept. of Commerce allows biotech firm to add jobs – Rocky Mountain Biologicals of Missoula

Rocky Mountain Biologicals of Missoula has received $275,000 as part of a $300,000 economic development funding grant from the Montana Department of Commerce http://commerce.state.mt.us/ .

Suresh Daniel, CEO of Rocky Mountain Biologicals, said money from the Community Development Block Grant was used to purchase blood protein fractionation equipment.

The equipment will help researchers separate proteins found in blood and plasma.

Fifteen full-time jobs will be created as a result of the new equipment. In accordance with state law, more than half of the jobs will be filled by low-and moderate-income applicants.

Rocky Mountain Biologicals develops, manufacturers and sells its biotech products to companies in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, and to research operations.

"With the biotechnology industry growing, it is exciting to have this company in Montana with a potential for the creation of many new technical jobs," said Anthony J. Preite, director of the Montana Department of Commerce. "(This company) has a strong foundation of biotech research combined with extensive experience in this type of industry."

The community Development Block Grant program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing an dUrban Development. The remaining $24,000 was made available to Missoula County for administrative expenses.

By Luella N. Brien of the Missoulian