Aprecia Pharmaceuticals has been growing steadily since it moved to Greater Cincinnati in 2015, now that growth is being recognized by local economic developers.
On May 3, Aprecia earned a Growth Award from the Regional Economic Development Initiative (REDI) Cincinnati. Based on feedback from a panel of local economic development practitioners, Aprecia was named as one of four winners. Others Growth Award winners include ADVICS Manufacturing Ohio, Inc.; Barclaycard US; and Robert Bosch Automotive Steering. These four projects were selected from more than 190 completed throughout the three-state, 15-county Greater Cincinnati region in 2015.
Founded in 2003, Aprecia looked for a new way to use 3D printing for biohealth. Other companies were already using the technology to make medical devices and complete research, but leaders at Aprecia had another idea. They wanted to use 3D printing to create pharmaceuticals.
When the New Jersey-based company realized it was outgrowing its current facility, Aprecia looked for a new location where the talent base was familiar with biohealth technology, and it could be close to investors. After an extensive search, company leaders found a location in Blue Ash to fit its needs.
“We found a wide talent pool, access to manufacturing expertise and product development expertise,” said Aprecia CEO Don Wetherhold. “We saw an educated workforce of people who did what we do, and we knew it was the right fit.”
In addition to the talented workforce, Aprecia leaders determined Greater Cincinnati’s central location would be helpful when the company is ready to start shipping pharmaceuticals.
“If you’re a product distributor, this is a great area to be,” said Wetherhold.
Aprecia Pharmaceuticals and its fellow winners were recognized during a ceremony at the Duke Energy Convention Center on May 3.
