California biotech moves U.S. operations to Bridgewater

Among the number of Economic Development Authority announcements made earlier this week, a French biotechnology company quietly announced it is moving its North American operations to…

Among the number of Economic Development Authority announcements made earlier this week, a French biotechnology company quietly announced it is moving its North American operations to Bridgewater.

Ipsen will move its U.S. headquarters from Brisbane, Calif., to Bridgewater, with operations beginning in April 2012. The move is part of the company’s reorganization of its U.S. footprint.

“New Jersey is the leading biopharmaceutical center in the U.S., and Ipsen is ready and eager to be a part of that community of innovators,” said Sean McKercher, president and general manger of Ipsen North America, in the announcement. “This move was a natural choice for Ipsen — given New Jersey’s ready access to international travel hubs — deep poof of pharma talent, and business incentives for the biopharma sector.”

The company will occupy a 30,000-square-foot-facility during a 6-and-a-half-year lease. More than 100 employees are expected to be hired for the Bridgewater facility. Ipsen was approved for a Business Employment Incentive Program grant in July worth an estimated $4.47 million over 10 years based on the anticipated creation of 91 new, high-wage positions.

“Welcoming Ipsen to the ranks of health care companies calling New Jersey home is an important step for our state and the national economy — it will help provide high-quality, high-paying jobs for residents and spur innovative medicine development,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, in the announcement.