New Albany announced as host for the new Ohio Life Science Training Center
By Morgan Mugwira
The New Albany International Business Park has been chosen as the location for a biomanufacturing workforce initiative called the Ohio Life Science Training Center, according to a JobsOhio news release. The project will be a part of a $30 million investment to support the growth of the life science industry in Ohio.
“Ohio is seizing the moment to lead in biomanufacturing,” says Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel. “We’re building the highly skilled workforce this industry demands, so when companies look for a new place to grow, they will see Ohio as the place where opportunity and talent come together.”
New Albany is home to several Health and Life Sciences industry clusters, including American Regent, Amgen, Hims & Hers and Pharmavite. To support this initiative, the City of New Albany has committed a $5 million investment over five years for the development and long-term success of the training center, complementing JobsOhio’s investment of $30 million.
“Ohio is making a foundational investment in its workforce to capture an unprecedented opportunity in biomanufacturing,” says JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “With partners like the City of New Albany, the Ohio Life Science Training Center will fuel Ohio’s rise as a national leader in manufacturing medicine.”
This state-of-the-art facility will include labs, simulated clean rooms and a classroom. Additionally, the facility will offer expanded programming designed to prepare students for a career in pharmaceutical biomanufacturing. Training will focus on preparing the workforce for entry-level employment.
The Ohio Life Science Training Center represents a significant public-private partnership built to satisfy the growing demand for skilled workers in biotechnology and pharmaceutical manufacturing in Ohio. This growth in a skilled workforce also makes the state an attractive destination for companies seeking to expand U.S.-based drug manufacturing.
The life science industry employs 64,000 workers across the state, with 18,000 of those skilled workers residing in central Ohio. The investment in this training facility will support the intended capture of the $500 billion-plus biomanufacturing domestic investment pipeline and the industry’s commitment to creating 3,300 jobs over the past five years.
“This bold investment serves as another example of how Ohio is transforming itself into a premier hub for the life sciences industry,” says Ohio Life Sciences Association President and CEO Eddie Pauline. “Biotech companies, research institutions, healthcare organizations, investors and patients are looking to our state as we drive innovation in the creation, validation, manufacturing and delivery of life-saving treatments. They already see the advantages Ohio provides and this training facility ensures our highly skilled workforce will be able to meet growing demand.”
This project is a shared commitment between the city of New Albany and Ohio Life Sciences, meant to not only support the growth of existing life science companies but to attract new life science prospects to the state. New Albany’s designation as a Premier Life Science Ready Community emphasizes the city’s readiness to support the industry growth and development aligned with local, regional and state-wide priorities.
This new resource strengthens Ohio’s position as a premier destination for life sciences innovation, promising economic benefits for Ohio communities as well as access to life-changing treatments for patients across the nation.