Agilent Technologies has committed to a $725 million investment at its Frederick, Colorado manufacturing plant, doubling capacity there and paving the way for an additional 160 new hires. Agilent will construct two new buildings linked by a sky bridge to house the new manufacturing lines.

The biotech company currently employs about 700 people in Weld County, where it manufactures components, consisting of DNA and RNA molecules, that are increasingly being used in drugs to treat a number of health conditions, from cardiovascular disease to cancers.

Manufacturing jobs, research and development chemists, facilities and maintenance engineers, supply chain managers and quality assurance and control specialists were among the positions expected to be created. County and City economic development agencies provided $9.4 million in local incentives. In order to receive the incentives, the positions salaries must average $100,000 each.

Agilent’s Mike McMullen says the company is committed to N. Colorado, “The resources, talent, and support we have in the state have helped, and will continue to help us achieve our long-term growth objectives.”