German-based medical device manufacturer Gerresheimer has embarked on a massive, two-stage, $180-million expansion project in Peachtree City, Ga., that will ensure the state continues to lead the nation in life sciences employment.
The 194,000-square-foot venture, which involves construction of two new buildings, will be completed in two phases.
More than 400 jobs will be created for skilled workers, making Gerresheimer one of the largest employers in the region. The company currently employs about 270 people in Georgia.
The company is an innovative systems and solutions provider and global partner in the pharma, biotech and cosmetics industries. The firm’s range of services includes digital solutions for therapy support, microinjectors, drug pumps, syringes, pens, injection vials, ampoules, tablet containers, infusion, dropper and syrup bottles, and cards for microbiological tests.
Gerresheimer has 35 production sites and 12,000 employees in 16 countries in Europe, America and Asia.
“North America is an important growth market for us,” Dietmar Siemssen, CEO of Gerresheimer AG, said in a statement. “The expansion of the site in Peachtree City is of great importance for our medical device business in the USA. The expansion of this site is therefore currently one of the key projects in our global capacity expansions based on long-term customer contracts.”
The first phase is currently underway and entails construction of a new building covering 83,000 square feet, adjacent to an existing plant in the Southpark International Industrial Park. The plant will produce medical devices such as autoinjectors to administer injectable drugs.
About 53,800 square feet will be a production area and, after the construction work is completed in the second half of this year, specialized production technology will be installed. At the end of this year, ramp-up of production will start in the new section of the building.
The other part of the building will be for an automated high-bay warehouse.
Work on the second phase of the project, an 110,000-square-foot factory hall near Atlanta Regional Airport and 2.6 kilometres from the first site, is slated to begin by the end of the year and will have an additional 77,500 square feet of production space and an automated high-bay warehouse.
Construction of the new factory building will begin once preparatory work for an access road and supply infrastructure are completed.
In 2025, the company is planning to install production and assembly lines and begin production by the end of that year.
The site where the building is being erected also has enough space for future expansion projects.
The company says with the expansion in Peachtree, Gerresheimer is highlighting its leading market position as a system and solution provider for drug delivery in North America.
“We appreciate the continuous support of the State of Georgia for our expansion in the U.S.,” says Siemssen. “The U.S. market is an important growth driver for us, and the expansion of our operations in Peachtree City will be key for growing our medical device business in the U.S.”
The company is currently hiring for various positions from entry level production employees to highly skilled engineers, quality managers and administrative staff.
Local and state dignitaries are lauding the expansion as a sign of things to come for the Peach State. Georgia is outpacing the nation in life sciences employment, with a 20-per-cent growth rate since 2015.
The industry supports more than 78,000 jobs statewide, and at least 4,000 life science organizations operate in Georgia.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp says the project is a prime example of the exciting growth of the life sciences industry in the state.
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) had been working with Gerresheimer on the project for some time.
“Georgia prides itself on creating long-term relationships with companies, and we have been fortunate enough to meet with Gerresheimer’s team in both Peachtree City and their headquarters in Germany multiple times,” noted GDEcD commissioner Pat Wilson. “Companies locate in Georgia for the business friendly environment, and they choose to expand here because of the state’s solutions to the challenges facing businesses, including workforce training.”
Darryl Hicks, chairman of the Fayette County Development Authority, says he is thrilled Gerresheimer is committed to the county through its expansive growth in Peachtree City.
“Having been an integral part of our community for three decades, Gerresheimer’s decision to grow here speaks volumes about the quality of our workforce, the strength of our local economy, and the supportive environment that Peachtree City and Fayette County provide.”
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