Biopharma expansion spurs state investment in new training center
More than a decade ago, executives at Baxter International, a global leader in the medical products industry, made the biggest decision ever in the company’s 60-year history: expand their bioscience division with a $1 billion-plus investment in a new state-of-the-art bio manufacturing facility.
The big question was, “Where?”
In April 2012, it was official: Baxter International (now a subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceuticals), would build a plasma fractionation plant and hire 1,500 employees in Social Circle, Georgia. Georgia would build the new Georgia BioScience Training Center adjacent to the company’s plant, and Quick Start would operate the center to deliver customized training to the company, as well as to additional biotech companies that chose to locate in the region in the future.
Even before the ground was broken for Baxalta’s plasma fractionation plant, Quick Start had launched its process for delivering customized workforce training with Baxter officials and engineers. Its training partnership with Takeda continues to this day.
Tokyo, Japan
Better health for people, brighter future for the world.
Athens Technical College
— John Furey, then-Baxalta Senior Vice President and Head of Global Operations
Takeda’s (formerly Baxter International) Covington, Ga. campus.
The Georgia BioScience Training Center is within walking distance of Takeda’s facility.
A lab at Takeda’s facility.
Quick Start’s training lab helps trainees learn in a realistic environment.
A fully-functional microtrack sterilization unit at the BioScience Training Center
Gowned trainees practice using the microtrack sterilization unit at the BioScience Training Center.
Takeda’s facility develops and manufactures blood plasma products.
