Decatur, Illinois – The Economic Development Corporation of Decatur – Macon County, City of Decatur, Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce, state and local officials and representatives from Akorn held a groundbreaking today at 1222 W. Grand to announce the company’s $25 million new lab and pilot plant. This 60,000 square foot expansion is to accommodate its growing pharmaceutical development, analytical and microbiology testing laboratories and manufacturing facility which employs 276 employees.
The project is part of a multi-year capital improvements plan that will add local jobs and serves as the latest example of the company’s commitment to the Decatur community. The expansion is in addition to recently announced Wyckles facility expansion that retained 235 jobs and could create new employment opportunities as the plant receives new product approvals.
Akorn is a specialty generic pharmaceutical company engaged in the development, manufacture and marketing of multi-source and branded pharmaceutical products with a worldwide manufacturing footprint. In addition to use in local hospitals and physicians’ offices, products manufactured and packaged at Akorn’s two Decatur facilities are used across the United States to help patients in need of quality, affordable pharmaceutical products.
“The Akorn Decatur location is a vital piece of the Akorn network,” remarked Jonathan Shoemaker, Akorn’s Vice President and General Manager. “The decision to invest in Decatur is a real credit to our employees, senior leadership, and the City of Decatur. We are excited for the continued growth and the ability to serve our patients globally,”
“Illinois’ skilled workforce and established infrastructure for the research, development and manufacture of pharmaceutical products make it a great home for a life sciences company like Akorn,” Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity Acting Director Sean McCarthy said. “The jobs created by this expansion will benefit the Decatur community and cement Akorn as a local leader.”
“The ceremony today represents the commitment of this community to Akorn, and their commitment back to our community,” said Ryan McCrady, President of the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur-Macon County. “Akorn is one of our legacy employers, and they continue to display the limitless opportunities available for businesses to thrive in our local economy. These types of investment create a solid foundation for the economic development of Decatur. We thank Akorn for their partnership with and investment in our community.”
Akorn established its Decatur operations in 1992 after purchasing Taylor Pharmacal, which was founded in Decatur in 1948. Akorn currently has two locations in Decatur and employs 511 workers involved in pharmaceutical manufacturing, product packaging, research & development, quality assurance and quality compliance.
“In economic development, manufacturing projects create the largest ripple. That is why we are grateful for Akorn’s continued investment in Decatur. The more products Akorn can manufacture the more Decatur workers they can employ. Which means more people dining in our restaurants and shopping in our stores. This win is not only for Akorn, but also a win for Decatur, as Akorn’s success is a large chapter of Decatur’s story,” said Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe, City of Decatur.
“Akorn Pharmaceutical’s groundbreaking marks the start of another major business expansion in Decatur-Macon County. The Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce is proud to have Akorn Pharmaceutical’s as a long time member and we look forward to providing them recognition, resources, and support. Keeping businesses like Akorn in our community is a major initiative. We believe this expansion will provide opportunities for Akorn well into the future,” said Mirinda Rothrock, President for Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce.
###
About the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur and Macon County
The Economic Development Corporation of Decatur & Macon County is a nonprofit public-private partnership responsible for non-retail business attraction, expansion and retention efforts in Decatur & Macon County. Composed of a combination of leading private sector employers, labor, educational institutions and a variety of governmental bodies, the EDC is uniquely positioned to address the needs of Macon County’s existing business and employer base along with prospective businesses looking to locate in and around the Decatur, Illinois area. The EDC works with local, state and federal partners to provide economic, technical and training assistance to businesses in the Macon County area.