Wedgewood Connect Ohio, in collaboration with JobsOhio, Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE), the Athens County Economic Development Council, and Ohio Department of Development, today announced an investment of over $5.5 million to establish a new facility in Albany, Ohio, creating 51 new jobs. The investment is being supported by a tax credit from the Ohio Department of Development and a $750,000 JobsOhio Revitalization Grant.
“This is Wedgewood’s first investment in Ohio, and we welcome them to beautiful Athens County,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “The fact that Wedgewood chose to expand into Ohio demonstrates the importance of JobsOhio’s work to attract businesses and create jobs in communities of all sizes.”
Wedgewood Connect Ohio is a subsidiary of Specialty Pharma III Inc. dba Wedgewood Pharmacy, the largest compounding pharmacy in the United States devoted exclusively to animal health. Founded in 1980, the company is headquartered in New Jersey and has over 1,000 employees.
“The support from JobsOhio to Wedgewood Connect Albany, OH is enabling us to scale-up, ramp-up, and expand production activities at the Albany Site to deliver high-quality products which will improve the lives of more animals,” said Mani Namasivayam, Wedgewood Connect Ohio, Albany Site Leader. “Together, we are focused on making an impact on the Athens County community by adding quality jobs and economic growth.”
The company purchased and plans to retrofit a former compounding facility in Albany, Ohio previously operated by RXQ Compounding to manufacture compounded medications for animals.
“The ACEDC is excited to welcome Wedgewood to the Village of Albany and grateful to JobsOhio for supporting the company’s growth in Athens County,” said Mollie Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the Athens County Economic Development Council.
Wedgewood Connect primarily serves veterinary practices. To meet the growing demand for animal health products, the company plans to grow its equine business. The Albany facility will also enable an additional supply distribution channel for Wedgewood.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the investment and job creation that Wedgewood is bringing to Athens County,” said Katy Farber, Interim President of OhioSE. This project highlights the strength of the OhioSE region to support a diverse mix of industry sectors. We thank the company for bringing this expansion to the OhioSE region.”
The JobsOhio Revitalization Program offers loans and grants to bridge the financial gap between the appealing cost of brownfield sites and the cost of site redevelopment. This program mitigates financial risk and accelerates projects, returning land and buildings to productive use more efficiently.
Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) is the JobsOhio Network Partner for southern, eastern, and southeastern Ohio, providing economic development work and resources in 25 rural counties. Geographically the largest of the seven regions across the state, OhioSE partners closely with regional development districts, local economic development offices, state agencies, and other entities to expand, retain, and attract businesses in the counties they serve.
