Roche expansion begins

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Roche Diagnostics broke ground on an expansion at its North American headquarters on Indianapolis’ northeast side Wednesday morning.

The new learning and development center is the first phase of a $300 million expansion to be executed over the next decade at the campus at 9115 Hague Road. The center is to be used for training for approximately 1,500 customers each year. The capital investments will support the company’s growing diagnostics and diabetes care businesses.

“Roche’s decision to grow and invest in Indianapolis is a testament to our strength as a life sciences center,” said Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, who participated in the ceremony held on the company’s campus near the intersection of 96th Street and Interstate 69. “They’ve been an important part of our life sciences heritage for nearly 50 years now, and this expansion signals an important commitment to the region.”

The city of Indianapolis and the Indiana Economic Development Corp. offered Roche tax abatements, tax credits and training grants to support Roche’s investment.

“Central Indiana has been our home since 1964 and we are here to stay,” said Jack Phillips, president and CEO of Roche Diagnostics, adding that the company’s history and growth in the region is due in part to the community’s outstanding workforce and partnerships with the state and city that have enhanced job creation.