Brings Life-Saving Medical Isotope Production to the U.S.

LANSING, Mich. (Apr. 11, 2023) — Tuesday, the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) joined Niowave representatives, U.S Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Capital Region International Airport leaders and local elected officials to announce the expansion of both the Airport’s Cargo Ramp and radioisotope manufacturing industry leader Niowave’s expansion of its Port Lansing location.

“Niowave is one of our region and country's great economic development stories. Locally grown and now of international import, expanding again through the hard teamwork of so many local and state partners, especially the MEDC, Clinton County, the city of Lansing, Dewitt Township, the airport, and, of course, our staff here at LEAP. We continue to believe that the Lansing region is the Particle Accelerator Capital of North America,” said Bob Trezise, president, and CEO of LEAP (left).

Established in 2005 as a spin-off from the National Superconducting Cyclotron Lab (NSCL), now known as the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB), Niowave is a global leader in research, development, manufacturing, and operation of superconducting electron linear accelerators which are used for medical radioisotope production. Niowave’s expansion is a strong evolution for the company, which established its Port Lansing location first in 2014. 

“We’re excited about Niowave’s growth at the Capital Region International Airport and the opportunities that come with this expansion,” said Nicole Noll-Williams, president & CEO of the Capital Region Airport Authority (left). “Niowave’s location at the airport provides them with the quick, convenient access that is necessary in order to distribute their products in a time-sensitive manner.”

The project will require adding 25,000 square feet to Niowave’s existing footprint at the airport. The additional space will enable radioisotope production of molybdenum (Mo-99) and other medical radioisotopes. Mo-99 is the most used medical radioisotope in the world, enabling the detection of life-threatening conditions such as cancer and heart disease for better patient outcomes. Currently, all Mo-99 production occurs outside of the United States.

“Lansing continues to focus on our future growth, and Niowave’s investment in our community is another important step forward. Working with our partners at LEAP and Lansing’s Capital Region International Airport, we are going to continue to ensure that Lansing is ready for new opportunities, new investments, and new jobs for our residents,” said Andy Schor, Mayor of Lansing. 

Niowave’s commitment to the region and capital investment of up to $20M in the city of Lansing and Clinton County will create up to 35 new jobs. This project is within the Next Michigan Development Corporation, an intergovernmental agreement between the city of Lansing and DeWitt Township, with participation from the Capital Region Airport Authority. 

“The expansion of Niowave at the Capital Regional International Airport is great news for the region and confirmation that Lansing is a great place to do business. Thank you, Niowave, for believing in the Capital Region!” said Bob Showers, chair of the Port Lansing Next Michigan Development Corporation.

“Congratulations to Niowave on their continued commercial success and reinvestment in the Greater Lansing Region. We are grateful and proud to have such cutting-edge innovation right here in our community. Regional collaboration continues to bring us prosperous economic opportunities, such as this one, and we look forward to continuing this momentum,” said Rick Galardi, DeWitt Township supervisor.Niowave chose Lansing for this expansion over alternative options in life sciences hubs throughout the U.S. Connection with Lansing and MSU’s top-ranked nuclear physics program and various support tools under consideration were integral in the Niowave’s decision to expand. MEDC has offered $500,000 in training assistance through its Jobs Ready Michigan program, and the Next Michigan Development Corporation is considering a PA-198 Industrial Facilities Tax Abatement. 

“Niowave’s continued growth in mid-Michigan underscores our state’s leadership in high tech and life sciences, as well as the strength of our business climate and talented workforce,” said MEDC Sr. Vice President of Regional Prosperity Matt McCauley. “This project is a win for Lansing and for the entire state. We are grateful to Governor Whitmer, legislators from both parties, and local officials for their continued support for our programs that help make announcements like today’s possible. We appreciate the efforts of our local partners in supporting this project and look forward to partnering with Niowave as it continues to grow and add jobs for Michigan residents.” 

Pending key local, state, and federal approvals that make the expansion possible, Niowave intends to proceed with the project later this year.

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