BRUNSWICK

If all goes according to plan, Kennebec River Biosciences will be coming to Brunswick.

Brunswick councilors took the first step in paving the way for the move at their meeting Tuesday night, agreeing to send a letter of intent to the state seeking a Community Development Block Grant to help the transition. The Richmond aquatic animal health lab would use the funds to support its move to and expansion at Brunswick Landing.

If the Department of Economic and Community Development decides the expansion project is eligible, it will invite the town in May to apply for a grant.

The company is request- ing a $400,000 grant to purchase equipment and make improvements to the former Navy mess hall at 237 Neptune Drive it would be leasing. This will cost an estimated $850,000; KRB would contribute $450,000 in equity and private financing.

The company performs diagnostic and regulatory testing on finfish, shellfish and crustacean species. It has provided testing and health services as well as vaccines, veterinary consultation, and contract research to solve aquatic animal health problems and improve harvests.

KRB began in 1996 with two employees and has grown to 15 employees today. It has expanded to new species, new products and services, and a worldwide customer base.

Linda Smith, Brunswick’s director of economic and community development, told the town council Tuesday the grant drives job creation.

With 15 employees now, she said, “we’re hoping that it’s going to grow by another 14 employees in the next year, bringing it to a total of 29. So we’re very excited about that possibility.”

If the state invites the town to apply for the grant, Smith will be back before the council requesting a public hearing on the application.

“I love this, this is good,” said Councilor David Watson after Smith’s presentation.

Councilor Jane Millett added that she wondered why a company with Kennebec River in the name wanted to come Brunswick, which is on the Androscoggin River, “but then I saw they have a worldwide customer base, so that’s pretty amazing.”

The company is proposing an initial investment of between $500,000-$750,000 and the creation of new positions to augment its current workforce.

“Aquatic animal health is an integral part of any successful aquaculture operation. It is also essential for proper wild fisheries management,” said COO and Chief Science Officer Dr. Cem Giray in a press release. “KRB intends to play a leading role in meeting the needs of a growing aquaculture sector and helping deal with challenges faced by our fisheries.”

The company has grown to serve customers on six continents ranging from family-owned finfish and shellfish operations to large multinational companies as well as national, state and provincial governmental entities.

“Both our diagnostic services and aquatic vaccines have seen major growth in recent years,” said CEO and President Bill Keleher. “Richmond has been a terrific partner for over 20 years and we intend to retain a strong presence there even as the expansion to Brunswick occurs.”

The company also notes that key to its success will be collaboration with the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority, the town and the Maine Technology Institute.

“With these partnerships, KRB is confident that it will continue its strong history of job creation and revenue growth, allowing us to effectively compete with firms from all over the globe,” Keleher said.

dmoore@timesrecord.com

The plan

• KENNEBEC RIVER Biosciences is requesting a $400,000 grant to purchase equipment and make improvements to the former Navy mess hall at 237 Neptune Drive it would be leasing. This will cost an estimated $850,000; KRB would contribute $450,000 in equity and private financing.