newjerseynewsroom.com

Christie says healthcare company to provide several hundred jobs over next five years

BY TOM HESTER SR.

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

Allergan Inc., a global, technology-driven multi-specialty healthcare company, is looking for a location in New Jersey where it would build a $12 million research and development facility that officials maintain would create several hundred new jobs over the next three to five years.

Allergan currently employs 20 people at a subsidiary in Bedminster.

Allergan employs approximately 10,000 people worldwide and has a presence in more than 100 countries.

The Christie administration is taking credit, at least in part, for Allergan’s decision to build in New Jersey.

“Our aggressive efforts to promote economic growth and foster job creation and investment in our state are delivering results for New Jerseyans,” Gov. Chris Christie said.” Allergan is a world-class, innovative company that is committing to our state and people with several hundred high quality, research and development new jobs and nearly $12 million in private investment. Creating good paying, private sector jobs that are sustainable over the long term is the number one priority of my administration, and Allergan’s decision to choose New Jersey is just the latest indication that the Jersey comeback has begun.”

Established more than 60 years ago as an eye care company, Allergan currently focuses on several medical specialties, including eye care, neurosciences, medical aesthetics, medical dermatology, obesity intervention and urologics. Allergan’s portfolio includes an array of pharmaceuticals, biologics, medical devices, over-the-counter consumer products, and state-of-the-art resources in research and development, manufacturing and safety surveillance.

The company is currently narrowing down location options for the research and development facility.

The state Economic Development Authority is set to vote Wednesday to provide Allergan a business employment incentive program grant worth up to a maximum of $17 million over 10 years. The promise of the aid was a factor in Allergan's decision to expand in New Jersey.

"Allergan has been proud to have a research and development office in New Jersey focused on the development of pharmaceuticals for the past four years and this expansion will enable us to further tap into the talent of New Jersey residents,” Scott Whitcup, the company‘s vice president, said. “As a multi-specialty health care company, a critical component to our business is the scientific innovation derived from the work of our R&D facilities throughout the United States. The expansion of our facility in New Jersey will enable us to further enhance our product pipeline and advance our pursuit of novel medical therapies for patients."

Christie has made economic development and job creation a major platform of his administration.