By MEGGIE I. FOSTER
Assistant Editor

GREENFIELD, Ind. — Even though Elanco, the animal health division of Eli Lilly and Co., conducts business all around the world, when executives began planning a relocation of its headquarters, the central Indiana community of Greenfield ranked as high as any on its list, according to Elanco President Jeff Simmons.

“We are excited to not only stay in Hancock County, but also to be residents of the city of Greenfield,” said Simmons. “This location plays a key role in providing Elanco employees a great new home, as well as a strong identity and presence in the city. It also gives our customers a great place to visit.”

Elanco formally broke ground on its new worldwide headquarters at Interstate 70 and State Road 9 on July 13. Elanco announced last September it would stay in the city of Greenfield, which is located east of Indianapolis.

“The new Elanco headquarters will centralize the company’s operations, while saving at least $1 million in annual operating expenses,” Simmons added. “This is a vital step in our goal to be a top global animal health company, and we look forward to a long, successful relationship with Greenfield.”

Construction on the state-of-the-art facility marks the launch of a 52-acre business and life sciences development that will be known as Progress Park. The new facility will be developed and built by Browning Investments, an Indianapolis-based commercial development company.

According to Browning, the global headquarters will encompass about 130,000 square feet on approximately 20 acres. This is the first project in the new business park, and will leave 32 remaining acres for additional development within the campus. The park, when completed, could accommodate up to 400,000 square feet of business space, according to Simmons.

“We are proud to provide Elanco with a terrific life sciences facility to accommodate its needs, now and going forward,” said Dale Pfeifer, director of real estate development for Browning. “The park’s proximity to I-70 and Greenfield amenities, along with the city’s commitment to infrastructure improvements, will be a powerful draw for more businesses to come to Greenfield, as well as for companies that want easy access to Indianapolis.”

During the groundbreaking, Elanco and Browning credited the strong support from Greenfield Mayor Brad DeReamer and the Greenfield city council for helping the city win the bid for the new business park.

“The new Elanco facility will help our economic base continue to diversify into the rapidly growing life sciences sector,” DeReamer said. “The location of this state-of-the-art facility on the city’s north side helps open the door for other companies seeking to join Greenfield’s emerging growth.”

According to Elanco Global Media Relations and Communications Specialist Joan Todd, it has expanded in recent years in both sales and product offerings, posting revenues of more than $1 billion in 2008. A division of Eli Lilly, a global Elanco primarily supports livestock health, but also is in the pet health business pharmaceutical corporation. Elanco focuses primarily on supporting livestock health, she said, and more recently began supporting the pet health industry through Elanco Companion Animal Health.
Todd said Elanco expects Browning to complete construction in spring 2010 with a company move-in shortly thereafter. Elanco originally announced plans of its relocation in September 2008, when its current site off U.S. Highway 40 and Meridian Road in Greenfield was purchased by Covance, a life sciences company. Until the new headquarters is completed, Elanco will lease its existing space from Covance.