Madison Biohealth Firm Creates 46 Jobs in $1.8M Expansion

A British biohealth company just chose Madison as the home for its first American manufacturing facility, bringing 46 new jobs and $1.8 million in investment to the city.

Abingdon Health USA will build a state-of-the-art facility at University Research Park to manufacture rapid diagnostic tests and medical devices. The company, a subsidiary of a publicly traded UK firm, launched its Madison operation just last year specifically to serve American customers.

The expansion will create what company president Chris Yates calls a "fully integrated lateral flow diagnostic operation" that mirrors their successful UK capabilities. These are the same types of tests many Americans became familiar with during the pandemic, though Abingdon produces diagnostics for a wide range of health conditions.

Wisconsin's Economic Development Corporation is supporting the project with up to $370,000 in tax credits. The actual amount depends on how many jobs the company creates and how much it invests, ensuring taxpayer money only flows when promises become reality.

The jobs coming to Madison aren't just any positions. They're high-paying skilled roles in manufacturing, development, and regulatory services, the kinds of careers that support families and strengthen communities.

The Ripple Effect

Abingdon's choice reflects something bigger happening in Wisconsin. In 2024, the federal government designated the state as a Regional Technology Hub for biohealth and personalized medicine, backing that recognition with $49 million in funding.

The designation isn't just a title. Over the next decade, the Wisconsin BioHealth Tech Hub is projected to create more than 30,000 direct jobs and 111,000 indirect positions throughout the state. That means opportunities for lab technicians, engineers, software developers, quality control specialists, and countless support roles.

The timing couldn't be better. As America works to strengthen domestic manufacturing of critical medical supplies, Wisconsin is positioning itself at the forefront. Companies like Abingdon are choosing the state for its research institutions, skilled workforce, and collaborative innovation ecosystem.

"Abingdon's decision to locate in Wisconsin and continue to grow here reflects the strength of our state's leadership in the field of biohealth and biotechnology," said John W. Miller, CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

The company plans to scale up quickly as demand grows, meaning today's 46 jobs could be just the beginning for this facility.

Wisconsin is proving that good jobs in cutting-edge industries don't only exist on the coasts.