SC: Roche Carolina Celebrates Completion of Expansion Project in Florence County

Roche Carolina Celebrates Completion of Expansion Project in Florence County Company dedicates $60 million Multi-Purpose Production Facility The South Carolina Department of Commerce and Florence County Economic Development Partnership celebrated the completion of a $60 million plant expansion at Roche’s Florence facility. The dedication ceremony held today at Roche Carolina was attended by over 200 local stakeholders and Roche employees. Among the special guests in attendance was William M. Burns, the Chief Executive Officer of the Pharmaceutical Division of Roche. The expansion has allowed the company to double the facility’s manufacturing capacity. Roche Carolina employs more than 300 people at its Florence County operations. “The decision to make this expansion investment in Florence reflects positively on our past achievements while the successful completion and startup of this production facility demonstrates the high quality of the workforce in the area. Both of these speak well about the business climate in Florence,” said Dr. Hans Groeger, Site Head Roche Carolina. “Roche is one of the world’s largest healthcare companies and a leader in research-focused healthcare with strengths in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. Roche Carolina has been an important part of South Carolina’s business community for a number of years and the company’s decision to further expand its Florence operations signifies a continued commitment to our state. Today’s ceremony is also a reminder that our focus to enhance and maintain a business-friendly environment is working to attract new investment and encourage growth among our existing businesses. Thanks to the team effort of state and local officials, Florence County will benefit from this investment now and in the future,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce. “Roche’s expansion demonstrates their commitment to Florence County and dedication to help Florence continue to grow and prosper economically,” stated Florence County Council Chairman K.G. “Rusty” Smith. “I am delighted that yet another existing business is reinvesting and expanding in our county.” “As a major player in the worldwide pharmaceutical industry, we are excited Roche chose to expand their roots in our region. Roche has been an incredible corporate citizen for many years; they consistently assist us in the recruiting of new industries to the area by selling the Florence community as a great place to do business,” said Dr. Charles Gould, Florence County Economic Development Partnership chairman. Roche Carolina Inc. is a strategic process development and manufacturing facility in the pharmaceutical division of its parent company, Roche. Based in Basel, Switzerland, Roche is a leading healthcare company with a broad spectrum of products and services. The company has been discovering and providing novel healthcare products to the world for more than 100 years. For more information, please visit www.rochecarolina.com. About S.C. Department of Commerce As South Carolina’s leading economic development agent, the Department of Commerce works closely with economic development professionals throughout the state to recruit new businesses and jobs and help existing businesses grow. In 2008 Commerce recruited a record 18,993 new jobs and $4.17 billion in capital investment. Many well-known names and world-class companies chose to invest in South Carolina during 2008, some of which include: Target Corp., Home Depot, Heinz, Monster, American Titanium Works, BMW, Michelin and URS Corp. Commerce also assists companies in locating buildings and sites in which to operate, offers grants for community development and infrastructure improvements and provides tools to enhance workforce skills. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.