"Watson's decision to further expand in New Jersey shows the Christie Administration’s strategy to attract business, rebuild New Jersey's economy and create jobs is working," said Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno. "Strengthening the state's competitive position in the life sciences is a priority, and the commitment by a global pharmaceutical leader like Watson is proof that companies are finding New Jersey increasingly attractive."
In 2010, Watson moved its global corporate headquarters to Parsippany, a move that included relocating certain corporate leadership functions that had been located at the company’s Corona, California site.
During the Christie Administration’s first two years in office, New Jersey added more than 60,000 new private sector jobs and attracted scores of companies. In fact, 2011 was the best private sector job growth year in New Jersey since 2000, according to Rutgers University economist Joseph Seneca.
Under the leadership of Lt. Governor Guadagno, the New Jersey Partnership for Action (PFA) worked with Watson to encourage the company to choose New Jersey for its global research and development center. The center, which will employ about 50 professional and support staff, will undergo a $4.5 million renovation and is expected to open in the spring of 2012.
The Partnership for Action is a three-pronged public-private approach to economic development and the starting point for all initiatives, policies, and efforts to grow New Jersey’s economy and create quality, sustainable jobs in our communities. The three elements of the PFA include the Business Action Center, which reports directly to the Lt. Governor and provides the business community with a single point of contact, applying a proactive, customer-service approach to businesses’ interactions with State government; the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, serving as the state’s “bank for business”; and Choose New Jersey, an independently funded and operated 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation created to encourage and nurture economic growth throughout New Jersey.
“The jobs Watson is bringing to North Brunswick are precisely the type of jobs we’re working to bring to New Jersey,” continued Lt. Governor Guadagno. “Watson’s move further strengthens the state’s already robust and admired life sciences industry cluster.”
Businesses considering a move or in need of assistance are encouraged to call New Jersey’s Business Action Center at (866) 534-7789 or visit the State’s Business Portal at www.newjerseybusiness.gov.
Click here for an audio clip of Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno discussing Watson’s move to New Jersey. A transcript of the Lt. Governor’s comments is below:
“New Jersey has targeted life sciences as one of the six key industries for New Jersey job growth in the 21st century.
“Watson Pharmaceuticals announcement today is just an early win, with Watson’s already strong presence and its plans to continue to invest millions of dollars in New Jersey, we have plainly begun to make New Jersey a home for growth again.”
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