Bayer Pittsburgh opens new 60,000 square foot raw materials hub in Saxonburg area
CLINTON TWP — Due to increasing demand for its products worldwide, Bayer opened a new $11 million, 60,000-square-foot raw materials hub Tuesday, May 16 at 150 Victory Road outside of Saxonburg.
“The Hub” was built to address current internal and external market trends such as the rising global demand for the company’s radiology products by doubling its capacity for storing raw materials supplies, according to Alfred Merz, senior vice president of product supply medical device operations at Bayer.
Merz said the facility “represents an investment in our operations in the Pittsburgh region. In addition to renovating our sites for efficiency, we are adding new production capacity, growing our local workforce and deepening our community partnerships.”
A German multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company, Bayer’s products and services aim to help people and the planet by supporting efforts to master the challenges presented by a growing and aging population, Merz said.
During the past three years, Bayer Pittsburgh has increased its workforce by 15% across its three Western Pennsylvania sites in Indianola, Allegheny County; O’Hara Township, Allegheny County and Clinton Township. Merz said no new jobs will be added at the Butler County site.
The Hub is next to Bayer’s medical device manufacturing facility in the county.
“Currently, about 50% of our raw materials are stored at a facility which is located 19 miles from the Indianola facility and 30 miles from the Saxonburg facility,” Merz said. “By moving closer to both sites, we are reducing the amount of time to move materials to the manufacturing sites and reduce our carbon footprint by reducing travel time and distance.”
Bayer spends about $110 million annually with raw materials suppliers based in Pennsylvania, and the manufacturing investments Bayer is making locally will allow it to continue this collaboration with local vendors.
About 30 state legislators and local business leaders attended the event.
“Bayer already has a large footprint in our local economy,” said state Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-21st. “This continued investment is a wonderful addition.”
Across its three local sites, Bayer employs nearly 1,900 people who support the company’s radiology medical device operations and digital solutions business.
“At our Bayer Pittsburgh operations, teams are utilizing next generation technology and manufacturing to drive innovations that equip providers to give their patients the very best care,” said Oda Bolden, director of supply chain for medical devices at Bayer. “In the end, all of us are driven by our core belief that every patient deserves clear answers about their health.”
Merz said Bayer employs 100,000 people around the world, and its lifesaving devices and technology are sold in more than 200 countries.
“We are producing lifesaving medicine, devices, equipment and more right here in Saxonburg,” said state Rep. Stephenie Scialabba, R-12th. “I think it's amazing. Bayer saves lives, supports our businesses and they make Butler County better.”
Bayer has also been pulling local talent into its workforce since the Clinton Township location was opened in 2007.
“Don't forget about the Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School we have here in Butler County and Butler County Community College,” said state Rep. Marci Mustello R-11th. “I believe you will find some great students there.”
