Allergan Plans $12-Million Research Facility in New Jersey

California-based Allergan Inc., the pharmaceutical company that produces Botox, is building a new $12 million research facility in New Jersey, Gov. Chris Christie has announced. New Jersey officials reportedly are poised to offer the company a 10-year, $17-million state grant to build the facility, which is expected to create about 400 jobs.

“Creating good paying, private sector jobs that are sustainable over the long term is the number one priority of my administration,” Christie said in a statement Monday.
The new building is expected to be around 100,000 square feet, according to Kevin Roberts, a spokesman for the governor.  He said that possible locations include Florham Park in Morris County and Piscataway in Middlesex. Allergan currently employs 20 people at a subsidiary in Bedminister, NJ.

“This expansion will enable us to further tap into the talent of New Jersey residents,” said Dr. Scott Whitcup, Allergan executive vice president for R&D, in a statement.

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority will vote on awarding the Business Employment Incentive Program grant to Allergan during a board meeting today.