Athenx announces major expansion, creating 1,400 jobs in Western New York

Athenex to invest $1.62 billion in drug discovery and advanced manufacturing partnership, creating 900 jobs in Dunkirk and 500 jobs in Buffalo during the next 10 years.

“Western New York’s economic transformation has captured the attention of companies and investors around the globe,” said Governor Cuomo. “The business development environment in and around Buffalo has made it clear to cutting-edge companies that this is the right place to put down roots and thrive. Whether it’s pharma-based development, medical research, clean technology or advanced manufacturing, this region is defined by incredible opportunities and potential for growth. I am proud to congratulate Athenex — which could have gone anywhere — on beginning this exciting new chapter, creating good-paying jobs and further strengthening the region’s and state’s economy.”

Athenex was founded at the University of Buffalo and expanded in 2003 with a 10-year funding stream committed by more than 100 local business and medical leaders in upstate New York.

Dr Johnson Lau, Athenex CEO and Chairman said: “We have been incredibly impressed by Governor Cuomo’s leadership to attract significant new jobs within New York State. His commitment to economic development has successfully permeated an impressive ‘Open for Business’ culture we have not seen anywhere else. We also want to thank Dr Alain Kaloyeros at SUNY Polytechnic Institute. This collective leadership in New York is accelerating the transformation of the State’s economy into a global leader of next generation manufacturing across many industries. With this partnership, millions of cancer patients around the world will benefit from the oncology drugs made in New York.”

Dr Alain E. Kaloyeros, founding president and CEO of SUNY Polytechnic Institute, said: “This one-two punch for Buffalo and Western New York by an established and respected home-grown company like Athenex is another clear sign that Governor Andrew Cuomo’s innovation-driven economic development strategy is powering job creation and revitalization across Upstate New York. For a company that already operates around the world to make the business decision to grow in New York speaks volumes about what Governor Cuomo has built. The workforce, attitude, and momentum in Buffalo and across Upstate has New York competing — and winning — on a global scale.”

Howard Zemsky, President, CEO and Commissioner, Empire State Development said: “This significant expansion by Athenex, through a combined state and private investment, not only reinforces the dynamic business climate that has taken hold in Buffalo and Western New York, but it validates Governor Cuomo’s vision for the creation and development of a local economy that attracts outside business interests and, in the case of Athenex, keeps a homegrown company in the community that fostered its initial development. This is a perfect example of the Governor’s determination to support business development in our region through unique public/private partnerships that will provide cutting-edge, good-paying jobs that are sustainable.”

Athenex will invest a minimum of $1.62 billion in Western New York over the next 10 years in labour, materials and supplies. 1,400 new direct and indirect jobs (500 jobs in Buffalo and 900 in Dunkirk) will be created in areas such as high-tech manufacturing, product formulation, regulatory, pharmacovigilance, headquarter staff and suppliers and providers of service to the company. New York State, through the SUNY Polytechnic Institute, will invest a total of $225 million in the Buffalo and Dunkirk locations. Specifically