A Manhattan manufacturer has announced a $4 million investment as it looks to expand its operation in the area.
Radiation Detection Technologies (RDT) plans to create 30 new jobs over the next five years and will spend $4 million to construct a new facility and purchase new semiconductor processing equipment.
RDT’s announcement came in a Thursday release from Gov. Laura Kelly’s office. Kelly noted that RDT’s investment is part of a growing manufacturing industry across Kansas and a pillar of her administration’s strategic plan for economic development.
“Radiation Detection Technologies’ investment shows that Kansas businesses are not just keeping up with technological trends – they’re setting them,” Kelly said. “It’s clear that my administration’s laser-sharp focus on economic development is paying dividends and is ensuring our state’s economy remains modern and innovative in a rapidly changing world.”
RDT was founded in 2011 by the Kansas State University Semiconductor Materials and Radiological Technologies (SMART) Lab in Manhattan. The company focuses on manufacturing state-of-the-art, high quality semiconductor devices, semiconductor materials, radiation detectors, and electronic circuit technologies for use in the agriculture, defense, energy healthcare industries.
“With the support from the greater Manhattan area and the State of Kansas, we are happy and proud to be expanding semiconductor manufacturing in the state,” said RDT CEO Dr. Steven Bellinger. “We are confident that with the great veterans, university graduates, and the hard-working, results-driven workforce in Kansas, we have the talent pool we need to grow in the state.”
RDT says it’s anticipating continued growth in the near future. Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jason Smith says the Chamber is excited for the expansion.
“We appreciate the investment this innovative entrepreneurial company, which started at Kansas State University, is making in our region,” he said. “RDT has gone from one employee to 22 and has supported Manhattan, K-State, and the state of Kansas since its founding. This growth will add a desired skillset and result in creating quality jobs, continued collaboration with Kansas State University, and enhanced economic prosperity for our region.”
The company says it will continue to utilize a state-of-the-art dry room, which it donated to K-State to manufacture radiation detectors for a new type of soil-moisture monitoring technology with applications in agriculture and weather prediction. Pottawatomie County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Jack Allston congratulated RDT for their expansion and investment in Pottawatomie County.
“We also express our gratitude to Steve Bellinger, his team, and his family, who have a long history of development and commitment in western Pottawatomie County.”
