Governor Ralph Northam announced that Bausch + Lomb, a global eye health business of Bausch Health Companies Inc., will invest more than $35 million to expand its manufacturing facility in the City of Lynchburg.
In total, 79 new jobs will be created over the next five years.
The company’s investment includes the purchase of 13.1 acres of land across from its operation at 1501 Graves Mill Road, and the new facility will expand the overall site to 190,000 square feet, which will provide distribution capabilities for the company’s medical device products, primarily contact lens products, and will be the main point of distribution in the United States.
The company considered locations in other states, however, the strong performance of the current operations and favorable economic environment associated with Virginia made Lynchburg the logical choice for the expansion.
Bausch + Lomb develops, manufactures, and markets one of the most comprehensive product portfolios in the industry, which is available in more than 100 countries.
Its core businesses include over-the-counter products, dietary supplements, eye care products, ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, contact lenses, lens care products, ophthalmic surgical devices, and instruments. The company employs more than 195 workers throughout Virginia, with 153 reporting to its Lynchburg facility.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked with the City of Lynchburg to secure the project for Virginia.
Governor Northam approved a $210,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Lynchburg with the project, as well as a performance-based grant of $300,000 from the Virginia Investment Performance (VIP) program, an incentive that encourages capital investment by existing Virginia companies.
The company is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development. ■