Beckman Coulter (NYSE:BEC), a manufacturer of biomedical test instruments and supplies announced today that it will expand its operations for the third time in the last four years, creating up to 95 new jobs by 2013. Since 2007, the company has grown by over 350 percent, adding 390 new jobs in Indianapolis.
The company, which develops, manufactures and markets testing instruments and supplies for hospital laboratories as well as scientific research and drug discovery, will invest more than $18.2 million to add new equipment at its 5355 W. 76th Street facility.
"Once again, Beckman Coulter is recognizing that Indiana is a cost-effective environment to further grow its business," said Governor Mitch Daniels. "This company's trend of growth continues to create life sciences and manufacturing opportunities for Hoosiers."
Beckman Coulter, which has been in Indianapolis since acquiring a locally based high-tech start-up in December of 1996, plans to begin hiring additional employees immediately. New associates will be hired at both Beckman Coulter's 5355 W. 76th St. facility and its 5550 Lakeview Parkway operations. In addition to the manufacturing jobs, the site is comprised of roles as diverse as field service, engineering and business.
"The state of Indiana's strategic intent to focus on life sciences and advanced manufacturing aligns with our business objectives," said Lori Gabrek, general manager at Beckman Coulter. "The area offers a favorable business environment and lower total cost of operations, plus a local workforce with strong skills in both engineering and manufacturing. Our operations here have become a "Center of Excellence" for our discovery products - those developed for life science research and drug discovery."
Celebrating its 75th anniversary, the Brea-Calif.-headquartered company was founded in 1935 as National Technical Laboratories. Beckman Coulter currently employs more than 12,000 associates worldwide and reported more than $3.3 billion in revenue in 2009.
"Beckman Coulter's commitment to doing business in our city is clearly evidenced by its decision to expand its manufacturing operations here," said Mayor Greg Ballard. "The new jobs coming to Indianapolis as a result of Beckman Coulter's growth in the biomedical and life sciences sectors indicate these growing industries continue to flourish in our local economy. We welcome Beckman Coulter's continued investment in Indianapolis and look forward to their future success."
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Beckman Coulter up to $800,000 in performance-based tax credits and up to $300,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. The city of Indianapolis and Develop Indy will support property tax abatement for Beckman Coulter before the Metropolitan Development Commission.
Beckman Coulter's announced expansion is the company's latest in Indianapolis. In addition to the 2009 announcement, in 2007 the company announced it would relocate its centrifuge development and manufacturing operation from Palo Alto, Calif. to Indianapolis. Combined, the projects committed just more than 300 jobs to Indianapolis.
About Beckman Coulter
Beckman Coulter, Inc., based in Orange County, California, develops, manufactures and markets products that simplify, automate and innovate complex biomedical tests. This year marks the company's 75th anniversary of advancing healthcare. More than 200,000 Beckman Coulter systems operate in laboratories around the world, supplying critical information for improving patient health and reducing the cost of care. Recurring revenue, consisting of consumable supplies (including reagent test kits), service and operating-type lease payments, represent about 80 percent of the company's 2009 revenue of $3.3 billion. For more information, visit www.beckmancoulter.com.
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 Mitch Roob serves as the chief executive officer of the IEDC. For more information about IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov.