- Aphena will invest $21 million to renovate, retrofit new facility
- Cookeville-based pharmaceutical packaging company will create 160 new jobs
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and Aphena Pharma Solutions, LLC officials announced today that the company will expand its Cookeville operations and create 160 new jobs over the next five years.
To keep up with growing customer demand, Aphena will invest $21 million to renovate and retrofit an existing facility located at 1976 Chocolate Drive in Cookeville. The 500,000-square-foot renovated facility will allow Aphena to consolidate two of its three Putnam County locations while accommodating future growth areas in biologic packaging, cold chain storage, and 3PL distribution services.
Aphena Pharma Solutions is a leading pharma service provider specializing in contract packaging and manufacturing for the pharmaceutical, over-the-counter, and medical device industries.
Headquartered in Cookeville since 2002, Aphena employs more than 400 people in Putnam County.
Since 2015, TNECD has supported 11 economic development projects in Putnam County, totaling nearly 2,000 job commitments and more than $258 million in capital investment.
QUOTES
“We strive to create a business-friendly environment that ensures the growth and success of existing Tennessee companies. We’re grateful for Aphena Pharma Solutions’ ongoing commitment to Tennessee and the additional 160 jobs that will be created in Putnam County as a result of this project.” – Gov. Bill Lee
“Tennessee’s healthcare industry has seen a 15 percent growth in employment over the past five years, which would not be possible without the many successful companies that choose to operate in our state. We thank Aphena Pharma Solutions’ for its commitment to create more than 150 new family wage jobs in the Upper Cumberland.” – TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe
“Aphena is thrilled to be expanding our operations and service offerings in Putnam County and the great state of Tennessee. We are a dedicated cGMP manufacturing and packaging company serving the world’s leading healthcare manufacturers. Our centralized location is ideal for national distribution, and our company will service our customers with the highest level of expertise and care.” – Shawn Reilley, CEO of Aphena Pharma Solutions
“The expansion of Aphena Pharma Solutions in a time of such uncertainty shows the faith they have in Putnam County as a sound investment. There is a strong history between this company and our community, and we look forward to the impact we will continue to see, as a result of Aphena Pharma being in Putnam County. This announcement showcases our community’s resilience, as we recover from the tornado disaster of March 3 and the effects of the pandemic. I’m very proud of our team and all the hard work involved to make this day possible.” – Randy Porter, Putnam County Mayor
“The expansion of Aphena Pharma Solutions is a great representation of our community’s resilience. The company will take a building that has been underutilized and bring high-skilled, high-wage jobs that will help as we recover from what has been a challenging year. The City of Cookeville thanks Aphena Pharma Solutions for its commitment to our community and our citizens. We look forward to many years of celebrating this partnership.” – Ricky Shelton, City of Cookeville Mayor
“TVA and Cookeville Electric Department congratulate Aphena Pharma Solutions on its decision to expand operations in Cookeville. It’s always an exciting day when we can celebrate a company’s continued commitment to growth in the Valley and we are proud to partner with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, City of Cookeville and Highlands Economic Partnership to support Aphena Pharma Solutions continued business success.” – John Bradley, TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development
“This is very exciting news for Cookeville. We congratulate Aphena Pharma Solutions and thank them for their continued confidence in our exceptional workforce. I also appreciate the hard work done by our state and local officials to create an environment where companies can grow and invest in our communities. It is a pleasure to partner with them in this effort.” – Senate Commerce and Labor Committee Chairman Paul Bailey (R-Sparta)
“I’m always proud when companies that know us best choose to expand their business here. Aphena Pharma Solutions is a leader in the pharmaceutical packaging industry and a valued employer in Putnam County. Their commitment speaks to our favorable business climate and our ability to provide the skilled workforce they need. I thank them for their continued investment in our community.” – Rep. Ryan Williams (R-Cookeville)
TNECD Media Contact
Jennifer McEachern
Director of Communications and Marketing
(615) 336-2689
[email protected]
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies that help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment to the state and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.
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