23 October 2007 Almac Announces Plan for North American Headquarters
Harleysville, PA-Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell joined Almac Group founder Sir Allen McClay yesterday to announce a $100 million project to establish Almac’s North American headquarters in southeast Pennsylvania.
The Almac Group, based in Craigavon, Northern Ireland, provides integrated research, development and manufacturing services to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. The new U.S. office will create more than 260 American jobs over the next three years, and more than 400 jobs by 2013. The new opportunities will include software development and laboratory specialists.
Speaking on behalf of Almac, Sir Allen McClay said he was delighted that Pennsylvania is now a “major part” of Almac’s success story. He continued, “The future for Almac in the U.S., in Ireland, and across the globe is very exciting, and this new facility will underpin our presence and our quality service to our clients in the USA.”
Governor Rendell shared Almac’s enthusiasm for this project during his announcement of the state financial package. "For us, as a commonwealth, it's a terrific result. They decided they wanted to grow and consolidate in one location. There isn't a state in the Northeast that wouldn't give their right arm for a company like Almac," the Governor said.
Almac worked with local and state officials to secure a $9 million funding offer from the Department of Community and Economic Development, including: a $4.5 million grant through the Infrastructure and Facilities Improvement Program to be disbursed over 10 years; a $2 million Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority loan; a $1.25 million grant through the Infrastructure Development Program,; a $400,000 Opportunity Grant; $100,000 in Customized Job Training funds: and $786,000 in Job Creation Tax Credits.
Tim Losty, Director of the Northern Ireland Bureau, emphasized the importance of this investment in the context of the changing face of Northern Ireland. “Almac is a prime example of the cutting edge businesses that have emerged in Northern Ireland. For years, we have focused much of our attention on attracting inward invest, but this project speaks to a Northern Ireland economy that is thriving and maturing every day.”
Almac’s North American headquarters is due to begin construction next year, and will be fully operational by 2010.