Bayer plans to build a $2.2 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing campus in the New Albany International Business Park, bringing about 600 permanent jobs and 1,500 construction jobs to the community.

Gov. Mike DeWine joined Bayer and JobsOhio on Friday, Oct. 2, to announce the project. DeWine called it "by far Ohio's largest international healthcare project and the largest German direct investment in Ohio history," as reported by the Ohio Capital Journal.

The 200-acre campus will combine drug substance and drug product manufacturing, using advanced automation to support Bayer's work in oncology, cardiovascular and renal care, according to a JobsOhio press release.

Groundbreaking is expected in 2027.

The first module, dedicated to drug substance manufacturing, is targeted to begin production in 2031. A second drug product module is planned for 2034.

Bayer CEO Bill Anderson, who was born in Ohio, said the company chose New Albany after a global search.

"If we wanted people from someplace else, we would have gone there," Anderson said at the Oct. 2 announcement.

Anderson said the combination of Ohio's workforce, proximity to research institutions and the cooperation of state and local leaders set New Albany apart. Bayer has spent more than $7 billion on U.S. pharmaceutical research and manufacturing over the past five years, according to JobsOhio.

The announcement also spotlights the Ohio Life Science Training Center (OLSTC), a nearly $38 million biomanufacturing training facility under construction in New Albany about five miles from the planned Bayer site. The OLSTC is scheduled to open in summer 2027.

JobsOhio is investing up to $30 million in the center, with nearly $8 million more from the City of New Albany, the State of Ohio and The New Albany Company. The center will train Ohioans as biomanufacturing operators and technicians, with Columbus State Community College among the partners building the workforce pipeline.

New Albany Mayor Sloan Spalding said the life sciences industry already employs 18,000 people across Central Ohio and 64,000 statewide. Bayer joins a growing cluster in the business park that includes Amgen, Hims & Hers, American Regent and Pharmavite. William Ebbing, president and CEO of The New Albany Company, said life sciences companies in the business park employ more than 2,660 people.

Ohio State University President Ravi Bellamkonda said in a statement that he looks forward to Ohio State researchers working alongside Bayer teams.

New Albany-Plain Local Schools Superintendent Jason Fine said the investment creates potential for students to connect with growing industries and future career pathways.

Bayer plans to pursue a Job Creation Tax Credit from the Ohio Department of Development. The company also plans to seek JobsOhio assistance; details will be made public after a final agreement is reached.