CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — Cardinal Biologicals, a locally owned producer of medical-grade biologics, announced today that it will expand in Cape Girardeau, Springfield, and Joplin, investing $2.74 million and creating 6 new jobs across the three locations. The company’s expansion includes the addition of a new water-based lab consumables production line at its Cape Girardeau headquarters while opening offices in Springfield and Joplin.
“We’re proud to see a Missouri-made innovator like Cardinal Biologicals expanding to multiple regions of our state,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “This company is an excellent example of our economic advantages, including Missouri’s strength in life sciences, that enable cutting-edge employers to thrive. We congratulate Cardinal Biologicals and look forward to its continued success.”
Cardinal Biologicals, founded in 1988 in Tyler, Texas, and headquartered in Cape Girardeau since 2019, is positioning itself as the Midwest’s hub for medical-grade biologics. The company’s new water-based lab consumables operation is a new line of business that will help meet growing demand that its California sister plant alone cannot supply. Cardinal Biologicals’ expansion is preparing for its next stage of growth while building on recent growth in St. Louis and extending into Arkansas and Oklahoma.
“We appreciate the support of SEMO REDI and the Missouri Department of Economic Development,” said Anthony Dunning, Operations Director for Cardinal Biologicals. “The payroll savings and export guidance were a nice boost as we look to grow the operation.”
This November, Cardinal Biologicals will also participate in MEDICA 2025 in Düsseldorf, Germany, alongside Missouri’s delegation led by DED’s International Trade and Investment Office. MEDICA is the world’s largest medical-technology fair and showcases innovation in healthcare and life-science.
The event is expected to feature more than 5,300 exhibitors from 70 countries and attract 83,000 visitors, offering companies access to international buyers, distributors, and decision-makers.
“The trade mission is an exceptional opportunity,” said Paul Pfeiffer, President and CEO of Cardinal Biologicals. “It connects us with distributors and decision-makers we’d never reach otherwise – and much earlier in the export process. With support from Missouri’s trade office, it was an easy yes.”
“DED is thrilled to support Cardinal Biologicals as it expands in multiple Missouri locations and reaches a global audience,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development. “It’s always exciting to see forward-thinking companies investing locally and taking their business to the next level while helping Missourians prosper in the process.”
Cardinal Biologicals will benefit from the Missouri Works program, a tool that helps companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation.
What others are saying
“Any time you’re thinking about expanding, it pays to explore Missouri Works,” said Shad Burner, CEO of SEMO REDI. “Payroll-tax savings alone can deliver significant value and help companies keep investment and jobs right here in Southeast Missouri.”
About Cardinal Biologicals
Cardinal Biologicals, Inc., headquartered in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, is a trusted provider of ethically sourced human biological materials for research and innovation. With more than 30 years of experience, the company partners with hospitals and laboratories to repurpose birth tissues and de-identified lab remnant samples that would otherwise be discarded, supplying them to research organizations worldwide. Operating under strict FDA, ISO, AATB, HIPAA, and IRB standards, Cardinal prioritizes ethical collection, informed consent, and sustainability – helping healthcare systems reduce waste, offset costs, and advance medical progress.
To learn more about Cardinal Biologicals, visit cardinalbiologicals.com.
About the Missouri Department of Economic Development
The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri’s businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. As one team built around the customer and driven by data, DED aspires to be the best economic development department in the Midwest. Through its various initiatives, DED is helping create opportunities for Missourians to prosper.
For the latest updates on DED’s current or future programs and initiatives, visit DED’s website.
About the Missouri Works Program
As the state’s number one incentive tool for expansion and retention, the Missouri Works Program helps businesses access capital through withholdings or tax credits to embark on facility expansions and create jobs. This program can also help businesses purchase equipment to maintain its facility in Missouri.