Actavis has announced plans to add 220 jobs and expand its pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Davie, after qualifying for $2.81 million in state and local incentives. The New Jersey-based company (NYSE: ACT), formerly known as Watson Pharmaceuticals, entered Broward County in 2006 when it acquired generic drug maker Andrx. Now, it has pledged to invest $40.5 million to expand its Davie facility by 30,000 square feet, including 16,700 square feet for pharmaceutical manufacturing and 13,000 square feet for warehouse. Construction should start in the third quarter. Actavis is located at 4955 Orange Drive, just off Florida's Turnpike. The company also has operations in Sunrise and Weston. It has 1,400 employees in Florida. "We are honored to have the support of the leaders of [the] Town of Davie, Enterprise Florida and Gov. Rick Scott as we continue to expand our presence in Florida," Actavis President and CEO Paul Bisaro said in a news release. "Actavis is proud to support Florida and [the] Town of Davie economy with skilled, pharmaceutical industry jobs, and we are committed to [the] expansion of employment opportunities in the region.” As for the Actavis' incentive package, $690,000 will come from the state upon closing of the deal and Davie would provide $440,000 should the company meet its job goals.
