Hospira has begun a $60 million expansion of its plant in McPherson, KS and will add about 100 jobs over the next several months. The construction project, made possible through a collaboration with the State of Kansas and the KBA, is expected to result in approximately 100 additional jobs at the facility in the areas of manufacturing and R&D. The construction effort began in late 2005 and will convert approximately 120,000 sq. ft. of existing shell space into usable offices, laboratories and manufacturing operations for injectable pharmaceuticals.

“This project underscores the strategic importance of McPherson to Hospira’s overall business objectives,” said Bill Gately, plant manager, McPherson Operations, Hospira. “The announcement of this investment is a testament to the dedication of our employees, the commitment of the community, and the appreciated support from the KBA and the State of Kansas.”

“For years, this plant has had a tremendous impact on McPherson and the surrounding area,” said Gov. Sebelius. “The new jobs created from this expansion are a great example of the type of job growth we continue to experience in Kansas. There are more Kansans working now than at any point in our state’s history.”

In association with the project, the KBA will partner with Hospira to create a scholars program at the McPherson plant to help support science internships for Kansas Regents universities students. KBA will also offer signing bonuses and student loan reduction packages for recent graduates of Kansas higher-education science programs who commit to a minimum of two years of full-time employment at the McPherson facility.