The first graduates of Amgen and Columbus State Community College’s advanced manufacturing certification program combining classroom instruction with on-the-job training have begun their jobs at the biotechnology leader’s state-of-the-art packaging and assembly in New Albany. The 18-month program that has attracted a wide range of students from military veterans to stay-at-home moms returning to work is boosting Amgen’s workforce as the company tripling its investment here. The program, part of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) at Columbus State, began in the summer of 2023 and continued through the end of 2024. The new program will help meet hiring goals for the global biotechnology leader which recently announced the largest life sciences and pharmaceutical manufacturing expansion in Ohio history, tripling its initial investment here.
The graduates were recently recognized during a ceremony this month to celebrate their accomplishments. The programs aim to provide individuals with the skills needed for in-demand careers in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. Its success has led the company to launch the program for its North Carolina facility.
The company has committed to investing at least $822 million in the project, but said they plan to invest $900 while creating 350 new jobs and retaining 400 existing positions. The company will grow its footprint by building a new facility next to its existing biomanufacturing site on land it already owns. The project includes $614 million in building construction and $208 million in machinery and equipment, further solidifying the Columbus Region as a premier destination for life sciences investment. Construction is expected to be completed in 2027.
With this expansion, Amgen continues to deepen its investment in the Columbus Region. The company originally announced its entry into Ohio in 2021, committing over $400 million to build a 270,000-square-foot biomanufacturing facility that became operational in early 2024. Amgen’s continued growth in New Albany highlights the region’s ability to attract and support world-class biotech and biopharmaceutical operations.