Talbot County business to complete renovations by December 2020
BALTIMORE, MD (April 13, 2020) – Aphena Pharma Solutions, an industry leading organization that provides packaging and manufacturing solutions for the medical industry, is planning to expand its pharmaceutical manufacturing operations in the Town of Easton. The company, which currently operates within a 110,000 square foot facility at 7978 Industrial Park Road, is purchasing an additional 54,000 square foot facility adjacent to its existing location. Building renovations and the installation of new equipment is expected to begin this year, with an estimated completion time of December 2020. Aphena currently employs 150 full-time workers and plans to add an additional 100 jobs in Talbot County over the next two years.
“The acquisition of the Konsyl property combined with the current Aphena property will provide Aphena with a 27-acre pharmaceutical campus. Over the past two years, we have experienced significant growth with every indication this growth will continue in both our Tennessee and Maryland facilities going forward,” said chief operating officer Bob Scott. “The Konsyl property being an adjacent pharmaceutical facility is an ideal match for our business and provides Aphena an opportunity for purpose-built pharmaceutical blending, packaging, and environmentally-controlled warehousing. We are excited to be in a position to add jobs to the Town of Easton and Talbot County community."
With two domestic locations that are registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for drug manufacturing and packaging, Aphena uses state-of-the-art technology and leading-edge equipment to support a growing healthcare industry. Late last year, Aphena
announced a $7 million expansion across the company, including expansions and equipment improvements at both its Maryland and Tennessee facilities. The acquisition of the Konsyl property plus the planned renovations represents a $12.5 million investment by Aphena in the Easton facility over the past 12 months.
“To learn that Aphena Pharma Solutions is planning to re-invest in its Easton facility and create 100 new jobs, after just announcing an expansion last year, is incredible news for our state,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “We look forward to watching this great company continue to grow its footprint in Maryland for many years to come.”
To assist with project costs, the Maryland Department of Commerce has approved a $300,000 conditional loan through Advantage Maryland, formerly the Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund (MEDAAF). A $15,000 conditional grant is eligible for approval by Talbot County at a County Council meeting tomorrow. Additionally, the Town of Easton is slated to provide a $15,000 conditional grant pending the Town Council's approval later this month. Aphena is also eligible for the More Jobs for Marylanders program, as well as the state's Job Creation Tax Credit. The More Jobs for Marylanders program was the centerpiece of Governor Larry Hogan's 2017 Maryland Jobs Initiative, incentivizing manufacturers to create new jobs in the state.
“We couldn’t be happier to support a company like Aphena Pharma Solutions in expanding its presence on Maryland’s Eastern Shore,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Kelly M. Schulz. “This additional facility will help the company remain a leading pharmaceutical packager while providing numerous jobs for residents throughout the region.”
“Talbot County is proud to partner with the Maryland Department of Commerce and the Town of Easton in support of Aphena Pharma Solutions’ expansion project,” says Talbot County Council President Corey Pack. “We thank Aphena for their investment in our county and wish them success in the years to come.”
“This is another prime example of the Town, County and State coming together to enable a quality employer to stay in Easton,” said Easton Mayor Robert C. Willey. “Aphena has been a good neighbor and employer for many years and to be able to help them expand is not only a good feeling but also a benefit to the town and local community.”
