Mayo Moves to Mississippi
Mayo Clinic Laboratories is establishing diagnostic testing operations in Southaven, a project the Mississippi Development Authority says represents more than $30 million in corporate investment and 234 new jobs in DeSoto County.
Mayo Clinic Laboratories is establishing operations in Southaven, the Mississippi Development Authority announced Wednesday, in a project the agency says represents a corporate investment of more than $30 million and will create 234 jobs.
From the new location, the company will perform diagnostic testing for hospitals and other clients. MDA said Mayo Clinic Laboratories selected Southaven in part because of its location and the availability of a facility that could be brought into operation quickly once equipment is installed.
The state is assisting through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program, according to MDA, which also certified the company for the Health Care Industry Zone Incentive. The city of Southaven and DeSoto County are also assisting with the project. The dollar value of the incentives was not disclosed in the announcement.
Based in Rochester, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic Laboratories is a global reference laboratory that provides diagnostic testing and laboratory services to clinicians, hospitals and healthcare systems. The company plans to fill the 234 positions over the next few years.
Gov. Tate Reeves said the company’s decision “speaks volumes about Mississippi’s momentum” and would strengthen the state’s healthcare and life sciences sectors. “We’re proud to welcome Mayo Clinic Laboratories to our state and excited about the opportunities this investment will create for Mississippians,” he said.
MDA Executive Director Bill Cork said companies such as Mayo Clinic Laboratories “need more than a good location; they need the ability to get up and running without protracted decision-making,” adding that the agency is focused on helping companies turn investment decisions into operating facilities.
Southaven Mayor Darren Musselwhite called the project “a grand slam for Southaven,” saying the city looked forward to a partnership that would bring career opportunities for residents and “exponential financial benefits to our local economy.”
DeSoto County Board of Supervisors President Jessie Medlin said the county had worked to plan ahead and put infrastructure in place to support growth. “This investment creates real opportunity for our residents,” he said.
Southaven has drawn other laboratory operations in recent years. MDA previously announced that Spectra Laboratories planned a new laboratory in the city expected to create more than 300 jobs.