April 28, 2015

Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applauds Bayer Healthcare’s $100 Million Investment into Berkeley Manufacturing Site

Oakland, CA – Today, Congresswoman Lee welcomed Bayer HealthCare’s $100 million investment to build a product testing facility at its Berkeley manufacturing site to support research and emerging generations of treatments for Hemophilia A, a hereditary bleeding disorder.

“I welcome Bayer HealthCare’s investment in Berkeley and the company’s continued commitment to healthcare and our community,” said Congresswoman Lee. “This increased investment is projected to support 325,000 work hours for local union labor in addition to driving sustained economic growth in the Bay Area.”

Bayer HealthCare’s investment is projected to bring jobs for local union contractors in trades ranging from sprinkler fitters and sheet metal workers to painters and glaziers.

The project “enables us to continue our corporate citizenship in science education, community support, and environmental sustainability,” said Joerg Heidrich, Sr., VP Product Supply Head and Berkeley Site Head for Bayer HealthCare. “As one of the first companies [located] in the East Bay’s thriving biotech community back in 1992, we are especially pleased with what this new $100 million will bring to the 13th Congressional District.”

Congresswoman Lee has long worked with Bayer Healthcare and the biotech industry to support workforce diversity and health research.   The company has partnered with the City of Berkeley to establish Biotech Partners, a program that trains local students from Berkeley High School, Oakland Technical High School and the Peralta Community College District for future technical positions in the biosciences. 

“It has been a pleasure to work with Bayer Healthcare over the years to develop and advance vital workforce training that help Easy Bay residents compete in our 21st century global economy,” said Congresswoman Lee. “I commend Bayer HealthCare for their continued commitment to workforce diversity and for supporting the community.”

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Congresswoman Lee is a member of the Appropriations and Budget Committees, the Steering and Policy Committee, is a Senior Democratic Whip, former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and co-chair of the Progressive Caucus. She serves as chair of the Whip’s Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity.