Genentech chooses Louisville for distribution facility

Frankfort, Ky. -

Governor Ernie Fletcher and Cabinet for Economic Development Secretary Gene Strong, in conjunction with Greater Louisville Inc. and -- The Metro Chamber of Commerce and the city of Louisville, announced today that California-based Genentech, Inc. (NYSE: DNA), a leading biotechnology company, will locate a warehouse and distribution facility in Louisville.

"I want to commend Secretary Strong and his staff for their work and am delighted a highly regarded company such as Genentech chose to make Louisville its new home in the commonwealth," Governor Fletcher said. "This distribution facility illustrates how Kentucky's central location, skilled workforce and pro-business climate make it one of the best places for companies to locate."

Genentech discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes biotherapeutics for significant unmet medical needs. Founded in 1976, the company has multiple protein-based products on the market for serious or life-threatening medical conditions and over 30 projects in the pipeline. Its research organization focuses its efforts on basic and applied science in oncology, immunology, and vascular biology.

"Louisville's future is the knowledge-based economy and Genentech's research and life-improving products provide the right kind of job opportunities for our community," said Mayor Jerry Abramson. "Riverport was able to fit Genentech's needs, with available workforce, nearby transportation networks, and existing infrastructure."

"We expect that this distribution center will play an important role in helping provide Genentech with the distribution capacity needed to support our anticipated growth, as well as enhance our ability to get life-improving and life-extending products to our patients quickly, " said Patrick Y. Yang, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Product Operations. "In our evaluation of potential locations for a distribution facility, Kentucky provided us with the best overall package including government incentives, the availability of appropriately skilled labor, proximity to a major shipping hub, and readily available appropriate facilities. We are pleased to be a part of the Louisville business community."

Greater Louisville Inc. – The Metro Chamber of Commerce works with city and state leaders to bring new economic opportunities to the community. Through May, the innovative public-private partnership has helped 17 companies locate new operations or expand existing ones in the area. These projects have created 1,095 new jobs and $46.3 million in new payroll. In all, nearly $109 million has been invested in the community through these projects.

"Genentech is a significant addition to our community's growing logistics industry," said GLI President and CEO Steve Higdon. "We're excited that this pioneering company has chosen to invest in our community, and we look forward to supporting their local operations."

The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development is the primary state agency in Kentucky responsible for creating new jobs and new investment in the state. New business investment in Kentucky in 2003 totaled more than $1.56 billion with the creation of just over 13,800 new jobs. Information on available development sites, workforce training, incentive programs, community profiles, small business development and other resources is available at http://www.thinkkentucky.com/.