Being one in a million is a dream, being one amongst over a hundred is a reality for Huntsville in a recent business decision that adds yet another feather to the Rocket City’s crowded cap.

Cummings Research Park is getting a new tenant with an eye on the future – Glaukos Corporation – which is building a multimillion dollar research facility at the corner of Mark Smith Drive and Explorer Boulevard.

“In planning our next expansion phase, Glaukos evaluated over 100 municipalities and we are pleased to choose Huntsville,’’ said Matt Young, Senior Vice President of Operations.

“The city of Huntsville has a highly educated and skilled workforce and a stable and diversified economy in a business-friendly environment,” continued Young. “Huntsville has recently and consistently ranked highly in surveys of the best places to live in the U.S. As a leader in designing and delivering novel ophthalmic products, Glaukos believes a location in the Cummings Research Park aligns with our strong innovation values.”

The addition of Glaukos to the Cummings Research Park (CRP) roster of technology innovators is a compliment to its neighbor HudsonAlpha.

Glaukos calls itself a “worldwide pharmaceutical and medical technology leader in ophthalmology focused on developing and commercializing novel therapies for the treatment of glaucoma, corneal disorders and retinal diseases. The company’s mission is to transform vision by pioneering novel, dropless platforms that can meaningfully advance the standard of care and improve outcomes for patients suffering from sight-threatening chronic eye diseases.’’

The deal, which was given the green light by the Huntsville City Council, is a multi-year project carrying an $82 million capital expenditure and is expected to bring 154 full-time jobs to the region by 2030.

The facility will be built on 25 acres at the north end of HudsonAlpha Institute of Technology.

The agreement includes an option for 15 additional acres for future expansion.

Glaukos’ headquarters are in Aliso Viejo, California, with additional locations in San Clemente, California; Burlington, Massachusetts; and other regional offices internationally.

“With Glaukos’ decision to locate adjacent to HudsonAlpha, a world-class research institute leading the way in improving human health, Huntsville and CRP have put a collective stake in the ground for future biotech growth,” said a statement released by the City of Huntsville.

The site selection team was impressed by the science and technology roots of the community, as well as the city’s “robust quality of life.”

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle stated that “Glaukos’ investment in Huntsville speaks to our continued success in being a community of choice for biotech research and manufacturing. CRP offers the desired environment for companies that want to capitalize on our assets and achieve long-term success in advancing medical solutions for society.”

Chairman Mac McCutcheon added that the Madison County Commission is able to welcome Glaukos to Cummings Research Park “because of the strong partnerships among the City, County, CRP, HudsonAlpha, and the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber that encourage companies such as Glaukos to locate here and thrive in our community.”