Bayer, a German pharmaceutical company, has announced plans to build a $2.2 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in New Albany, Ohio. This substantial investment is projected to create 1,500 construction jobs and an additional 600 highly-skilled permanent positions. These permanent roles will focus on developing the compounds that are crucial for Bayer’s medicines, according to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine.
Governor DeWine described the project as an “historic win for Ohio,” emphasizing that it represents the state's largest international healthcare endeavor and the most significant German direct investment in Ohio's history. Bayer CEO Bill Anderson stated that the new site is expected to “impact multiple generations” by enhancing the company's capacity to deliver innovative, high-quality medicines to patients both within the United States and internationally.
Anderson revealed that while other cities were considered as finalists for the plant, Ohio's combination of its workforce, its proximity to vital healthcare and research institutions, and the positive attitude shown by leaders from JobsOhio, the state, and federal levels “made a difference” in the decision-making process. Anderson also anticipates that the new plant will predominantly hire individuals from Ohio, underscoring his point by saying, “If we wanted people from someplace else, we would have gone there.”
To support the skilled workforce needed for this facility, the Ohio Life Science Training Center, a $30 million building in New Albany, is slated to open next year. This center will be utilized to prepare people for careers in pharmaceutical biomanufacturing. Bayer’s production facility will be situated five miles from this training center. Governor DeWine highlighted the swift transition from training to employment, noting that newly certified Ohioans will soon “go to work making the ingredients for medicines.”
The plant’s location in New Albany also offers close proximity to Ohio's seven major research universities. Ohio State University President Ravi Bellakonda expressed enthusiasm for Ohio State researchers to collaborate with Bayer teams towards shared objectives, acknowledging the critical role of the university and Ohio’s higher education partners in securing such economic victories for the state.
The groundbreaking for the plant is anticipated next year, with manufacturing operations expected to commence in 2031. A second module dedicated to drug product manufacturing is scheduled to follow in 2034. Bayer CEO Anderson mentioned that the company has treated 4.5 million people in the United States with its prescription medicines over the last three years. He added that after a competitive global review, Bayer is pleased to expand its production footprint in Ohio, seeing “a tremendous chance to build the biopharma ecosystem here” and partner with local research institutions.
New Albany is already home to several other biotech companies, including drug manufacturer Amgen, telehealth provider Hims & Hers, and vitamin maker Pharmavite. New Albany Mayor Sloan Spalding commented that the community has fostered an environment where businesses thrive, individuals can find meaningful careers, and economic development strengthens the community and the region for future generations.
In a separate development, the large Intel chip plant, also located near New Albany, has experienced delays, with production now pushed back to at least 2030 from its initial target of last year.
