Schwarz Pharma Manufacturing Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary Kremers Urban LLC announced October 13 plans to expand its manufacturing operations in Seymour, Ind., creating 150 new jobs by 2011.
The drug maker will invest more than $12 million to upgrade the manufacturing, information technology systems, and logistics equipment at its 280,000-square-foot pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution center located in the southern Indiana city 65 miles south of Indianapolis.
"Recruiting and retaining jobs in high growth industries such as the life sciences becomes increasingly important in a challenging national economy. New investments by companies like Schwarz Pharma Manufacturing and Kremers Urban LLC means new opportunities and new jobs for Hoosiers and more economic diversity and growth for southern Indiana," said Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels.
The drug maker employs 366 at its Indiana manufacturing facility and plans to begin hiring managers, business associates and production staff later this month.
"We are excited to expand the Seymour facility," said George Stevenson, president and chief executive officer of Schwarz Pharma Manufacturing and Kremers Urban LLC. "It is a testament to the skill and dedication of our workforce here in Seymour. As a company, we have made a significant investment here and look forward to continuing that trend for years to come."
The city of Seymour will provide property tax abatement at the request of the Jackson County Industrial Development Corporation.
"We are very pleased with the decision by Kremers Urban to increase their investment and create additional jobs here," said Mayor Craig Luedeman. "This demonstrates the commitment Schwarz Pharma Manufacturing and Kremers Urban has made to Seymour and further underscores the relationship between our community and this outstanding company."
The announcement of Schwarz Pharma Manufacturing and Kremers Urban's expansion in southern Indiana builds on the state's growing life sciences sector. Home to industry giants like Eli Lilly and Company, Dow Agro Sciences, Cook, Baxter and others, Indiana employs 6.1 percent of the nation's drugs and pharmaceutical workers, according to a 2008 study by the Battelle/Biotechnology Industry Organization. The report also showed Indiana was one of only four states that gained more than 1,000 employees in the medical devices and equipment subsector since 2004.
About IEDC
Created by Governor Mitch Daniels in 2005 to replace the former Department of Commerce, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation is governed by a 12-member board chaired by Governor Daniels. Indiana Secretary of Commerce Nathan Feltman serves as the chief executive officer of the IEDC. Since Daniels created the IEDC, the state has posted three consecutive years of record-breaking commitments for new jobs. For more information about IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov.
